Apr 25, 2023

Federal Officials Advance Offshore Wind in Gulf of Maine

“Expanding offshore wind is a necessity if New England is going to confront the climate crisis with everything we’ve got,” said CLF senior attorney Nick Krakoff. “The Gulf of Maine needs to be part of that strategy, yet it is critical to ensure that wind is developed responsibly. We must limit impacts on the critical species, habitats, and existing ocean users that make the area so special, and CLF will be at the table to make sure that happens.”

offshore wind farm
Feb 16, 2023

Vessel Strike Killed Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale

“Since 2017, at least 95 critically endangered right whales have been killed or injured by preventable human causes. Yet nothing has been done to reduce deadly vessel strikes. Right whales have been on this planet for millions of years and we are at risk of losing this entire species because of bureaucratic red tape. That cannot be allowed to continue.”

A dead right whale washed up on a Virginia beach.
Nov 01, 2022

Emergency Petition Seeks to Shield Right Whale Moms, Calves From Ship Strikes

“A newborn calf spends most of the first few months of its life on the surface with its mother,” said Erica Fuller, senior attorney at Conservation Law Foundation. “Given that these whales are tough to see under the best of circumstances, slowing boats down is the only way to prevent collisions like those that have killed whales, injured people, and caused major vessel damage in the past.”

A right whale adult and calf near the water's surface
Nov 16, 2021

Court Reinstates Gulf of Maine Lobstering Restriction to Protect Endangered Right Whales

“Reducing entanglements by prohibiting fishing in this area is critical to ensuring the survival of right whales,” said Erica Fuller, a senior attorney at Conservation Law Foundation. “This decision affirms that science matters. The First Circuit got it right: entanglements often can’t be traced, so where whales, lots of lines, and heavy fishing lines coincide, we need fishing restrictions now.”

Right whale names - a north atlantic right whale sag with four whales interacting
Mar 22, 2021

Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Marine Monument

“The Supreme Court correctly rejected this baseless challenge to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument,” said Peter Shelley, Senior Counsel at CLF. “The science supporting the need for this critical protected area—the only one along the Atlantic seaboard—has only gotten stronger and more compelling. The Biden Administration must now reinstate the ban on commercial fishing within the monument’s boundaries as soon as possible.”

Jan 07, 2021

RI Governor Gina Raimondo Nominated for Secretary of Commerce

“We congratulate Governor Raimondo on her expected nomination, and urge this Ocean State governor to promptly undo the Trump Administration’s unlawful assault on ocean protections,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “Expanding offshore wind, taking emergency steps to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, and stopping the overfishing of New England’s depleted cod must be top priorities for Governor Raimondo once she is confirmed. We’ll also be holding her successor accountable for taking immediate action on climate here at home.”

Rhode Island's state house
Dec 02, 2020

Emergency Petition Seeks to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales From Fishing Gear

“At least 32 right whales have been killed by human activities in the last three years alone, yet the federal government is still sitting on its hands,” said Erica Fuller a senior attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation. “The window to save this species is closing, and we’re left with no other option but to file this petition. The federal government must declare this situation what it is – an emergency – and take action to protect these animals now.”

North Atlantic right whale
Aug 19, 2020

Judge orders deadline for new North Atlantic right whale protections

“The survival of the species cannot wait for endless debate on new protections,” said Erica Fuller, senior attorney at CLF. “The judge made it clear that the federal government needs to go back to the drawing board and meaningfully address all of the impacts of the lobster fishery on right whales. Today’s ruling will put a stop to the government’s endless foot-dragging on implementing new long term protections.” 

right whale aerial shot
Jul 09, 2020

Right Whales Declared Critically Endangered

“This is a barometer and the forecast for right whales could still go either way,” said CLF Senior Attorney Erica Fuller. “With a calf recently found dead of blunt trauma caused by a vessel strike, we’re one step closer to extinction. While this new status doesn’t  change legal obligations here at home, it’s a reminder that to save this species, we can’t wait any longer for necessary long term protections.”

right whale aerial shot