December 31, 2020 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing a reduction in lobster trap lines and state-specific markings for fishing gear as part of a plan to reduce the number of entanglements involving endangered right whales in New England waters.
NOAA released its proposal Wednesday after telling the state of Maine this year that its proposal didn’t go far enough to protect the whales. The goal is to reduce the risk to whales by 60%.
North Atlantic right whales number only about 360 and are in the midst of a worrisome decline in population.
“Saving this species will take decisive action from all stakeholders — state and federal government, fishermen, conservationists, and scientists,” the New England Aquarium right whale team said in a statement.