Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the biggest threats to the giant animals, which number fewer than 340 and are dwindling in population.
right whales
Posted inLocal & State
Federal court rules that regulators haven’t done enough to protect right whales
The ruling says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration violated both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Whale entanglements drop, but remain major threat, government reports
Four of the 53 whales entangled in 2020 were North Atlantic right whales, which are in the midst of population decline due to recent years of high mortality and poor reproduction.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Nation & World
New rules could further slow ship speeds to protect right whales
The new rules could expand existing protections for North Atlantic right whales, which are currently protected by a network of ‘slow zones,’ requiring mariners to transit slowly to avoid whale collisions.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Sen. Susan Collins blocks NOAA nominee’s confirmation to protest new lobstering rules
Collins blocked the Senate confirmation of Jainey Kumar Bavishi to serve as an assistant secretary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
NOAA delays enforcement of new lobster gear rules aimed at protecting right whales
The regulations designed to protect the endangered species still will take effect May 1, but the federal government will put off enforcement in light of supply chain issues affecting lobstermen.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Are the whales leaving? Gulf of Maine research raises questions about new lobstering rules
The endangered North Atlantic right whale’s preferred food source is moving north, out of Maine waters. Lobstermen say the change warrants a second look at new fishing restrictions set to take effect May 1.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Maine politicians ask for more time to meet lobstering rules to protect whales
The rules call for gear conversion by May 1, but the new gear isn’t available to most fishermen, they said.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
$30 million fund to help lobstermen meet new rules gets strong support in Maine House
An initial 116-18 vote shows bipartisan support for aid to the industry in complying with new federal requirements meant to protect right whales.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Lobstermen’s group stresses connection to Maine tourism as new regulations approach
The head of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association emphasized at a hospitality industry event Wednesday the threats the industry faces through new regulations and legal challenges.