Saving the North Atlantic right whale - North America
Don't fail our whaleifaw marine experts join Congressman Seth Moulton in critical roundtable to forge viable future for both right whales and fishermen
ifaw marine experts join Congressman Seth Moulton in critical roundtable to forge viable future for both right whales and fishermen
October 15, 2018
On October 1st, representatives from the International Fund for Animal Welfare were invited to participate in a key roundtable discussion hosted by Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA 6th District) in Boston. Leading the discussion, Congress Moulton showed his commitment to forging a sustainable future where North Atlantic right whales are brought back from the current critical tipping point which nears extinction and where local lobstermen of Massachusetts can continue to preserve both their industry and way of life. Ensuring their livelihood while also ensuring the survival of the right whale is ultimately the most sustainable long-term solution.
We are grateful to Congressman Moulton who authored and introduced the SAVE the Right Whales Act of 2018 which would support research and development of projects designed to reduce the impacts of human activities on North Atlantic right whales. Helping to find the way forward: Beth Casoni, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), whose members have consistently adopted right whale conservation measures, and Patrick Ramage and CT Harry, IFAW marine leaders who have been leading the collaboration with MLA to test experimental fishing gear. Expanded use of such buoy-less gear could someday free coastal waters of the hundreds of miles of vertical rope which entangles and eventually kills the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. IFAW will continue to work alongside fishermen and industry to test this gear, to incorporate feedback, and ultimately to drive fundamental change.
If you are a supporter of IFAW, you know that we are rolling up our sleeves and digging into the hard work of creating long-term solutions that have lasting impact.
We thank Congressman Moulton and our partners for this candid and critical discussion and look forward to the innovation that lies ahead.
-- IFAW Marine Conservation Team
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