ENVIRONMENT MAINE • February 18, 2022
North Atlantic right whales are a majestic and beautiful species. Tragically, they are on the path to extinction, with just 336 right whales currently left in our oceans. Entanglement in vertical line fishing gear, along with boat strikes, are the leading causes of death for these whales. Thankfully, we have the technology we need to save this species -- we just need to use it. Ropeless fishing gear employs an inflatable buoy and remote tracking capabilities to allow lobstermen to find the cage and bring it to the surface– instead of a fixed vertical rope. No ropes in the water means no right whale entanglements. What do we need to increase the testing of this gear? Funding! Fortunately, the Right Whales Coexistence Act offers just that.