Seven new North Atlantic right whale calves are migrating with their mothers and other whales back up the east cost into New England and Canadian waters. But this journey is full of threats: ship strikes, noise pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear all threaten their survival. We must work to make our oceans a safe and welcoming place for right whales.
The SAVE Right Whales Act is an important piece of the solution for protecting this iconic species from extinction.
Vineyard Wind signed an agreement in January with the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and other environmental groups under which they will take historic steps to protect right whales.
The 2018 midterms brought a Democratic majority to the House, giving us new and exciting opportunities for environmental legislation. This Congressional session, CLF’s Oceans team is focused on protecting special places in New England’s ocean, effectively addressing threats facing the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and promoting sustainable fisheries.
It’s an exciting time for offshore wind in New England, with multiple projects moving forward over the next decade. Developers can move the clean energy industry forward while protecting North Atlantic right whales by following these best practices.
As offshore wind projects move forward off of New England’s coast, it’s important to bring this clean energy online while maintaining a healthy ocean. Part of that balance is ensuring that offshore wind development does not harm our iconic – and severely endangered – North Atlantic right whales. CLF and our partners reached landmark agreement with offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind to make sure that this exciting source of clean energy doesn’t come at the expense of our treasured right whale.
“As we ask more of our oceans, we must ensure that we balance the critical need for clean energy with the protection of our majestic right whales and other marine species,” added Dr. Priscilla Brooks, Director of Ocean Conservation at CLF. “This agreement marks a significant step forward in responsible development of offshore wind energy.”
With a new estimate of fewer than 408 North Atlantic right whales, it’s even more critical to get new ropeless fishing gear in the water as soon as possible to prevent the entanglements that are killing our endangered whales.
Immediate action is required to save the North Atlantic right whale. Getting an accurate Biological Opinion is a key step.
“The goal of this challenge is to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates,” said Dr. Priscilla Brooks, Director of Ocean Conservation at CLF. “North Atlantic right whales are in crisis and could become extinct in our lifetime without immediate action. This iconic species contributes to the health of the ocean ecosystem, benefiting all of the communities surrounding the Gulf of Maine. We hope the contest will transform our youngest residents into lifelong activists who fight for healthy oceans and right whale protections.”
