Northern Right Whale ‘Condemned To Extinction’ By Harmful Lobster Fishing Gear

The northern right whale is facing an increased risk of extinction due to Maine's lobster industry being granted permission to continue using harmful fishing equipment. The provision allowing the continued use of dangerous nets and equipment was added to the US omnibus funding budget by Democrat senators Chuck Schumer and Patrick Leahy. With less than 350 northern right whales remaining and births dropping significantly, the population is not increasing at a sustainable rate.

A federal court had previously banned the use of lobster fishing equipment that posed a threat to the whales, but Schumer and Leahy's provision will delay protection until at least 2028. This move has been criticized by animal welfare experts who believe it could lead to the extinction of the species. The issue of harmful fishing gear not only impacts the northern right whales but also poses a threat to various other marine species such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks.