The November election raised alarm bells for conservation at the end of another deadly year for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. After four right whales died in ship strikes earlier in the year, three more were reported entangled in December off the east coast, two of which were predicted to die of severe injuries. Wildlife conservationists and other conservation groups play an important role in the fight to protect such endangered species. For right-handers, advocates work on behalf of right-handers at the state level, in the courts, in Congress and in the administration. It’s easy to look at the injuries and deaths of right whales and think that nothing can be done, but even as we and our partners fight for the species, the biggest threat is entanglement in the waters they fish. shares with the industry.
On the ropes
The single greatest threat to North Atlantic right whales is entanglement in fishing gear. From 201725 North Atlantic right whale deaths with identified causes. Ten of them are entangled with rope-based gear used for fishing lobster, snow crab and other shellfish, and many more likely share the same cause. Of the 39 known cases of serious injuries (i.e., those that may have resulted in death) across all species from 2017, entanglement was responsible for 35 of them. Only about half of all right whale deaths are reported, and even nonfatal entanglements affect birth rates.
The good news: Going ropeless is getting easier. For example, a traditional lobster trap is attached to a buoy floating on the surface. Ropeless (or on-demand) gear consists of a buoy, inflatable bag or spool that is attached to a noose on the seafloor, keeping the static rope out of the water column. An electronic signal from the surface releases the buoy, bag, or spool, bringing the rope to the surface and enabling the lure to be retrieved.
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NOAA EcoHealth Alliance
Ruless gear is already in experimental use, and ongoing research should help lead to more widespread adoption. NOAA Fisheries helps interested anglers test ropeless gear, get more hands-on equipment, and identify what types of gear are most effective in different fishing conditions. NOAA Fisheries also hosts a “gear library” with environmental and educational groups, which offers a variety of options including a variety of ropeless systems that fishermen can borrow to determine these technologies. Which works best for them.
Communication goes both ways. NOAA Fisheries receives feedback from these fishermen on what works and what can be improved. The hope is for a future where ropeless gear can be used safely even in places that seasonally cut off access to traditional fishing methods.
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Taken by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and US Army Corps of Engineers, under NOAA Permit 20556-01.
Tools at sea
The second biggest threat to North Atlantic right whales is ship strikes, which are known to have killed at least 15 right whales since 2017. While the only known way to reduce the risk of a deadly ship attack is to slow ships passing through these areas. While right wheels may exist, efforts are underway to develop apps and other tools to provide mariners with real-time information about right wheels. In 2024, NOAA Fisheries announced a Workshop To explore and promote such tools.
Such tools also benefit other whale species. Wheel watch Used in areas where blue whales are seen on the west coast. gave Wheel Alert Appwhich was launched to track right whales, shares real-time whale sightings with networks of fishermen, recreational boaters and volunteers on the East Coast.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA Research Permit # 775-1875
Because North Atlantic right whales are always on the move, monitoring apps and other similar technologies are not, and will not be, an effective substitute for measures to encourage vessels to slow down. Nevertheless, if employed effectively, these tools can help augment other protection measures to protect the right wheel.
What is being done and what you can do.
Any device costs money. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 authorizes Congress to appropriate up to $50 million annually to go toward research projects to protect right whales from entanglement and vessel strikes. How much Congress actually appropriates can vary, though — in 2023, for example, Congress only provided $20 million.
Meanwhile, wildlife advocates have advocated for $40 million in annual funding for NOAA Fisheries for right whale conservation work. Some of this funding will go towards getting the requested equipment into the hands of fishermen. We are looking for more funding to enforce vessel speed restrictions. survey and monitor right whale activity, including in waters without seasonal speed limits; And answer the entanglements and traps and check the dead right wheel.
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FWC-CC BY NC ND 2.0
Other support for whales needs public support to see the light of day, such as the Whale Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research and Technical Strategies (CHARTS) Act of 2024. If enacted, the bill would improve data collection on baleen whale habitats and movements. including the North Atlantic right whale. At the same time, other draft legislation seeks to undermine or undermine existing safeguards.
The best way you can help is to reach out to your elected officials in Washington, DC and ask them to help fund and legislate to protect the North Atlantic right whale and protect these magnificent creatures. So oppose legislative attacks on conservation efforts.
