Overview

• The recent deaths of two North Atlantic right whales, one off Georgia and another off Massachusetts, highlight the critical threats of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
• Federal authorities are investigating the deaths, with one whale showing signs of blunt force trauma consistent with a ship collision and another entangled in rope from Maine's lobster fishery.
• Environmental groups are pushing for stricter regulations on shipping speeds and fishing gear to protect the dwindling population of right whales, which numbers less than 360.
• NOAA has proposed new vessel speed rules and is considering modifications to fishing gear regulations, but these measures have yet to be implemented.
• The deaths underscore the urgent need for action to prevent further losses of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.