Recent Deaths of North Atlantic Right Whales Prompt Calls for Stricter Protections
Two recent fatalities, involving vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement, highlight the urgent need for regulatory action to save the critically endangered species.
- 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.
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