Photo: Rise in Whale Deaths in Crab Traps Prompts PETA Plea: Save the Whales and the Crabs!
For Immediate Release:
December 29, 2025
Contact:
Hannah Nelson 202-483-7382
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced a spike in whales getting entangled in fishing gear, and at least nine humpback whales have reportedly been caught in crab fishing and other gear off the coast of California since September 2024. In response, PETA has erected a sky-high appeal near Seaside Seafood & Market and other Monterey restaurants that serve crabs and other sea animals, and just a mile from top commercial fishing harbor Moss Landing. The pointed plea reminds everyone that crabs may be small, but Biology 101 tells us that they experience pain, and common sense tells us they value their lives as much as whales do, and that anyone disturbed by the idea of killing whales should save them both by going vegan.
“Crabs feel pain and work together to feed and defend their families and protect new mothers in their communities, just as whales and dolphins do,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA urges anyone disturbed by the thought of whales dying in crab nets to extend their compassion to all sea life and please, choose vegan.”
PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help anyone thinking of making the switch.
Billboard locations: 1286 Freemont Blvd. and 8850 Cabrillo Hwy., Monterey.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
