A new study has revealed how fishing gear can cause the slow death of whales. The study, published in the journal "Nature," found that whales can become entangled in fishing gear and suffer from a variety of injuries, including cuts, abrasions, and infection. These injuries can lead to the whale's death, either directly or by making it more susceptible to other threats, such as predators or disease.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The researchers analyzed data from more than 1,000 whale entanglements that occurred in the North Pacific Ocean between 1982 and 2017. They found that the majority of entanglements (70%) involved humpback whales, followed by gray whales (18%) and blue whales (10%).

The study also found that the type of fishing gear involved in entanglements varied depending on the species of whale. Humpback whales were most often entangled in gillnets (45%), while gray whales were most often entangled in trap/pot gear (33%) and blue whales were most often entangled in longlines (25%).

The researchers said that the study provides new insights into the threats that fishing gear poses to whales and other marine animals. They called for increased efforts to reduce the risk of entanglement, such as using gear that is less likely to entangle animals and requiring fishermen to report entanglements.

"This study highlights the urgent need to address the problem of marine debris, which is a serious threat to whales and other marine life," said study lead author Dr. Justin Cooke. "We need to take action to reduce the amount of fishing gear and other debris that is polluting our oceans."

Here are some of the key findings of the study:

* Whales can become entangled in fishing gear and suffer from a variety of injuries, including cuts, abrasions, and infection.

* These injuries can lead to the whale's death, either directly or by making it more susceptible to other threats, such as predators or disease.

* The majority of entanglements (70%) involved humpback whales, followed by gray whales (18%) and blue whales (10%).

* The type of fishing gear involved in entanglements varied depending on the species of whale.

* The study provides new insights into the threats that fishing gear poses to whales and other marine animals.

Recommendations for reducing the risk of entanglement:

* Use gear that is less likely to entangle animals, such as ropes with a smooth surface and breakaway links.

* Require fishermen to report entanglements.

* Collect and dispose of discarded fishing gear properly.

* Educate fishermen about the dangers of entanglement.