A quarter of all North Atlantic right whales believed to be in a small area off the Maine coast

Maine’s Lobster Industry Urged to Protect Endangered Right Whales

Maine’s top fisheries official has issued a plea to local lobstermen to help safeguard a significant congregation of endangered North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine. Patrick Keliher, commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources,owie, voiced his concern over the presence of as many as 90 individual right whales off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.

With an estimated global population of fewer than 370, these magnificent creatures are among the world’s most endangered large whale species. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are their primary threats, making Keliher’s request all the more critical. Recent data suggests that the whales might be feeding within Jeffreys Basin, with the highest overlap between fishing gear and whales occurring in depths greater than 300 feet.

In response, Keliher has urged lobstermen to temporarily remove their gear or reduce the number of vertical lines in the affected area, east of York and between Boon Island Light and Jeffreys Ledge. This voluntary action aims to minimize the risk of whales becoming tangled in fishing lines, a single instance of which could result in additional federal restrictions and potentially cost the industry in the long run.

"Failure of the industry to self-regulate its activity could be costly," warns Keliher, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in preserving this vulnerable marine ecosystem.