Tell the NOAA: it’s time to protect right whales!

Happy World Whale Day!

Whales are getting some well-deserved attention this week, so now is the perfect time to sign your name here and tell the NOAA that it’s time to create a Right Whale National Marine Sanctuary!

The right whale is critically endangered – with an estimated population of just 350 or so left. But the key to stabilizing the population and safely growing it to healthy numbers is taking the kind of collaborative management actions we first saw after the establishment of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary back in 1992.

Advancements and regulations like sinking and break-away lobster trap lines, ship collision avoidance systems, automatic whale detection systems, enforced seasonal slow speed zones, and advisory councils representing everyone who has a stake in this have created a safe space for marine life within the boundaries of the Stellwagen sanctuary.

With only some 50-70 breeding right whale females left, now is time for NOAA to designate about 6,500 square miles along Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the Right Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

But the only way that will happen is if NOAA hears directly from folks like you. Add your name in support of greater protections for the right whale now!

As you enjoy the long weekend, consider visiting your local aquarium, reading up on right whales, surfing the web, and telling a friend (and us) why you care. It’ll take all of us caring and acting to save the right whale!

Steady on,
Rob