What is a false killer whale?
The false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) is a member of the oceanic dolphin family. False killer whales are found worldwide, mainly in tropical and warm-temperate waters. Three stocks of false killer whales have been identified in the central Pacific – the Hawaii Pelagic, Hawaii Insular, and Palmyra Atoll Stocks. False killer whales feed on tuna and other commercially-important pelagic fish species. Q: What is take? A: The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) defines “take” as “to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.” The MMPA prohibits take of marine mammals. Serious injuries and mortalities are considered take. Q: What is the problem? A: During long-line fishing operations, false killer whales become hooked or entangled in fishing gear and, as a result, may become seriously injured or killed. Currently, these takes are occurring at a level that is unsustainable for the Hawaii Pelagic Stock. In response, the MMPA requires
