Endangered Right Whale Dies from Maine Lobster Gear Entanglement

The death of the North Atlantic right whale has intensified calls for stricter fishing regulations to protect this critically endangered species.

A North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Martha's Vineyard in January due to chronic entanglement in Maine lobster fishing gear.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the entanglement with ropes used in the Maine lobster fishery.
With fewer than 360 individuals remaining, the right whale population has suffered significant declines and high mortality in recent years.
The incident has sparked renewed debate between environmentalists and fishermen over the need for tighter regulations on lobster fishing.
Maine Lobstermen’s Association emphasized that such entanglements are rare, with this being the first reported death attributed to their gear in 20 years.