We’re happy to report a win for right whales, and there’s good reason to celebrate!
A U.S. Appeals Court judge in Boston ruled to limit lobster fishing and restrict activities in a 200 square mile area of water off the coast of Massachusetts during February, March, and April when right whales are likely to be in the area.
As reported, these waters are some of the busiest shipping lanes, recreational areas, and commercial ports along the eastern seaboard. So, it’s all the more crucial that we have a good mix of sensible rules that keep right whales safe and reflect the reality of the importance of fishing, tourism, and more.
This rule gives some cushion to the North Atlantic right whale – the critically endangered species with less than 400 left on the planet that almost never seems to catch a break. However, right whales will now have a little more leeway and protection from one of their deadliest enemies: fishing and lobstering gear that becomes entangled around them.
Right whales were once abundant in New England’s waters but began a steep decline at the outset of the commercial whaling industry. Modern hazards have made population recovery slow, tenuous, and uncertain.
This is a fantastic addition to our arsenal of protections for this species facing extinction. But more must be done: implementing mandatory (not voluntary) speed limits, utilizing digital tools to better detect right whales that swim close to the water’s surface, establishing better environmental regulations to reduce the outflow of warm, polluted waters from the land, bolstering right whale food abundance, and making our ocean healthier.
Steady on,
Rob
