MAINE, USA — Editor's note: The attached video was originally published on Feb. 2, 2024.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a necropsy report regarding the North Atlantic right whale that was recently found dead off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard on Jan. 30.
While the cause of death is still pending further histological and diagnostic testing — which can take up to two weeks to complete — NOAA necropsy experts confirmed the ropes found embedded in the tale of the dead female whale were "consistent with the rope used in Maine," according to the report.
Since the 1970s the North Atlantic right whale has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The NOAA said there are less than 360 right whales left in the wild and only 70% of them are reproductively active females. The administration said humans continue to pose a threat to the species, with an uptick in injuries and deaths since 2017.
Since 2017 there have been 122 documented cases of dead, injured, or ill North Atlantic right whales, according to the administration's website. (Only one-third of right whale deaths are documented).
Thirty-seven deaths
- 13 unknown
- 12 vessel strikes
- 9 entanglements
- 2 perinatal
- 1 pending
Thirty-four Serious injuries
- 30 entanglements
- 3 vessel strikes
- 1 dependent calf
Fifty-one Sublethal injuries/illnesses
- 39 entanglements
- 5 poor body condition
- 4 vessel strikes
- 3 unknown
For the past few years, there have been ongoing legal battles between environmental groups, commercial fishermen, and the federal government regarding speed limits for fishing vessels, and safer fishing equipment that would be less harmful to whales.
The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released a statement on Feb. 14 in response the the recent necropsy report.
“Entanglements are a constant threat to right whales, cutting their lives short and painting a disheartening future for this species,” Erica Fuller, CLF senior counsel, said. “There have been concerns about the threat Maine fishing gear poses to right whales for years. It’s time to move forward with new fishing practices to give these endangered whales a chance at survival.”
"Only about 350 North Atlantic right whales are left on the planet. The deceased whale was a three-year-old female, a terrible loss to a species that desperately needs more female whales to bear calves," the CLF said in a Wednesday news release. "Congress blocked regulations to reduce entanglements in lobster gear between now and 2029, but right whales can’t wait. We must continue to provide training and funding for ropeless fishing gear to encourage fishermen to adopt this safer alternative, where necessary."
The Maine Lobsterman's Association (MLA) released a statement on Wednesday expressing their sympathies and a promise to continue improving their equipment and regulations going forward.
“The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) is deeply saddened by the death of a juvenile right whale that NMFS has attributed to the Maine fishery. We know that entanglement in Maine gear is extremely rare. This is the first reported entanglement of a right whale in Maine lobster gear in 20 years and the first death attributed to the fishery. Maine lobstermen have made significant changes to how they fish over the last 25 years to avoid entanglement and continue gear testing. The MLA will continue this important work as we review the data and evidence that NMFS has collected. MLA remains committed to finding a solution to ensure a future for right whales and Maine’s lobster fishery.”