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North Atlantic right whales are in crisis. Listed as critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act, their numbers have fallen to about 370 individuals. These whales are on the brink of extinction, and politicians are trying to block protections that could save them. Tell decision-makers you oppose this dangerous proposal!

In 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued new rules to protect right whales from entanglement in fishing gear, which is a main threat to their survival, including a transition to ropeless technology in the lobster killing industry.

But at the end of 2022, Maine lawmakers, including Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, added a rider to the government spending bill allowing lobster fishermen to avoid complying with these rules until 2028. This delay has already put whales in jeopardy.

Researchers have found that more than 86% of right whales have been entangled at least once, with some as many as nine times, and injuries are getting worse as stronger ropes are being used and fixed-gear fishing grows and moves further offshore.

Now Rep. Jared Golden, backed by commercial fishing groups, is pushing to extend the moratorium until 2035. This extended moratorium was first proposed by Alaskan Congressman Nick Begich in his proposal to gut the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Meanwhile, NOAA's 2024 report found 95 confirmed large whale entanglements, up from 64 in 2023 and far above the 17-year average of 71. Entanglements cause slow, painful deaths, and the numbers are rising. Whales cannot wait until 2035 for action.

North Atlantic right whales are running out of time. Extending the moratorium would be devastating. Vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements are the leading killers of these whales—and unless we act now, we will watch this species disappear forever.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers:

• Mike Ezell - Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries of the House Natural Resources and Judiciary Committee
  
• Jared Golden - Congressman
• Harriet Hageman - Chair, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries of the House Natural Resources and Judiciary Committee

Subject: North Atlantic Right Whales Are Dying: Don’t Delay Protections!

I am writing to urge you to oppose the proposed extension of the moratorium on critical protections for North Atlantic right whales. These whales are in crisis, with only about 370 individuals remaining. They are critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and their survival is threatened by entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes.

In 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued regulations requiring ropeless fishing gear to protect these whales from deadly entanglements. However, some Maine politicians previously delayed these rules until 2028, and now Representative Jared Golden, along with several commercial fishing groups, is pushing to extend the moratorium even further, to 2035. This delay is unacceptable.

Recent NOAA data shows that confirmed large whale entanglements rose to 95 in 2024, up from 64 in 2023, well above the 17-year average of 71.4. These numbers make it painfully clear: North Atlantic right whales cannot wait another decade for action. Extending the moratorium will put these already imperiled whales in even greater danger.

I urge you to stand with science and conservation and oppose any legislation that delays protections for North Atlantic right whales. Every day counts in preventing their extinction. Please act now to ensure these magnificent animals have a fighting chance to survive.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.