The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) is horrified by the U.S. government’s continued inaction which is leading to the extinction of North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered species of large whale with fewer than 400 remaining. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the agency charged with protecting this species, acknowledges the unnatural death of just one of these animals each year will likely contribute to the demise of the species. Yet, in the past 16 months, at least nine right whales died, including two in the past week! Of the animals for which the cause of death could be determined, 83% of those deaths were from human causes, including vessels strikes and fishing gear entanglements.

“Even more appalling, is that the numbers of deaths that we know about are likely a gross underestimate of the actual number that die” said Regina A. Asmutis-Silvia, WDCS Senior Biologist. These numbers do not reflect the animals that die, and are lost at sea or can not be recovered for operational reasons. “We know of at least three animals that sustained severe strikes in the past that have not been seen again, and another animal which was severely entangled before it disappeared. The chances of any of those animals surviving is remote at best.”

Proposed regulations include mandating the use of modified fixed-fishing gear throughout the east coast and reducing the speed of ships in key right whale areas. However, these regulations have not been enacted, despite years of promises. “The entire world wide population of this species is comparable to the enrollment in a single US elementary school.” said Michael Waterson, WDCS Treasurer “Imagine the impact of arbitrarily closing 2,200 schools a year with no recourse, that’s basically what’s happening to this species”.

WDCS is asking all interested and concerned citizens to immediately contact the US National Marine Fisheries Service Director, Dr. William Hogarth via email or at 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13710Silver Spring, MD 20910 and tell him these regulations need to be put in place before it is too late and the right whale joins the list of species that humans have eradicated forever. According to Asmutis-Silvia, “This is not a domestic issue, it’s international. Whales don’t abide by the invisible borders we have established, and neither should we when it comes to saving a species from extinction.” WDCS reminds you that you have a voice which can ensure a different fate for right whales and begs you to use it before it’s too late.

Notes to Editor
For more information, please contact Regina Asmutis-Silvia on 508 451 3853 or email regina.asmutis-silvia@wdcs.org.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (North America) Inc., (WDCS) is the global voice for the protection of whales and dolphins and their environment. It is based in Plymouth, MA and is part of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, a charity registered in England. The group has over 70,000 supporters world-wide and has a presence in a number of countries in Europe as well as in Argentina and Australia. To adopt a whale or make a donation to help WDCS in its work, click here.

Source: WDCS