Conservation groups applaud a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision reinstating a 2024 National Marine Fisheries Service rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from fishing gear entanglements — one of two major threats to the species’ survival and recovery.
Getting entangled in fishing gear is a major threat to right whales. Solutions are available.
Conservation groups are pushing for long-delayed federal action to finalize expanded vessel strike protections for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Ship and boat strikes and entanglements in fishing gear are harming right whale families.
Seven guidelines for how North Atlantic right whales and offshore wind can share the sea as safely as possible.
Tracking and monitoring North Atlantic right whales can help scientists protect them, but stronger policies are needed.
“How many more right whales need to die before we stop the carnage?” said Erica Fuller, senior counsel at the Conservation Law Foundation. “We have a solution — a seasonal 10 knot vessel speed restriction. Yet the Biden administration continues to condone policies that are driving the species toward extinction.”
Climate deniers and fossil fuel interests are quietly fueling an anti-offshore wind misinformation campaign
“She was found 20 miles off the coast, and we’ll probably never know exactly where she was hit,” said Erica Fuller, Senior Counsel at Conservation Law Foundation. “But what we do know, is that the seasonal speed zones need to be bigger and the regulated boats need to be smaller than the current rule. These deaths are tragic and preventable; it’s past time for regulators to move forward with the protections that these critically endangered whales need to survive.”
“Entanglements are a constant threat to right whales, cutting their lives short and painting a disheartening future for this species,” said Erica Fuller, CLF Senior Counsel. “There have been concerns about the threat Maine fishing gear poses to right whales for years. It’s time to move forward with new fishing practices to give these endangered whales a chance at survival.”
