PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 13, 2024
Days ago, another whale was found killed as a result of attempting to swim through the tangled mess of fishing gear that sits just beneath the surface waters of Casco Bay. Our congressional and state political leaders effectively nullified any opportunity we had to act with urgency to research solutions for the coexistence of fisheries in Maine waters and the health and survival of whale species therein, they therefore must now support NOAA and its efforts to finalize the vessel speed rule as soon as possible. Maine’s congressional delegation must support and defend the rule against those in Congress who wish to undercut it. All other roads lead to extinction for the right whale, and a catastrophically dangerous existence for the other whale species fighting for survival. ~ Sarah Perry, Falmouth