Court Reinstates Seasonal Fishing Ban to Protect Endangered Right Whales

A federal appeals court ruling restores protections for North Atlantic right whales, reversing a lower court decision and imposing a lobster fishing ban off New England waters.

• The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a federal rule banning lobster fishing in a 200-nautical-mile area off New England from February to April annually.
• The ruling aims to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, whose population has dwindled to fewer than 380 individuals.
• Entanglement in lobster fishing gear and ship collisions are the primary threats to the species' survival, with the winter ban targeting peak whale presence in the area.
• Environmental groups, including Defenders of Wildlife, hailed the decision as a significant victory for conservation efforts to prevent the whale's extinction.
• The Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association expressed disappointment with the ruling and is exploring legal options in response to the decision.

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