Overview

• A dead female North Atlantic right whale, entangled in lobster fishing gear, was discovered near Martha's Vineyard, emphasizing the deadly threat of fishing gear entanglement.
• Researchers found that even 'minor' entanglements have devastating effects on the reproductive capabilities of female right whales, with those affected having the lowest chance of breeding.
• The population of North Atlantic right whales has dwindled to fewer than 360 individuals, with approximately 70 reproductively active females remaining.
• Entanglements have led to a decrease in body size among North Atlantic right whales over the decades, further reducing their reproductive success.
• Current regulations and conservation plans are deemed insufficient in preventing entanglements, with calls for the adoption of ropeless fishing gear to ensure the species' survival.