North Atlantic Right whale Extinction Imminent As Deaths By Ship Strike And Entanglement Continue!
North Atlantic right whales are among the most critically endangered species on earth and fewer than 400 of these animals remain. Entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes continue to impact this population and threaten them with extinction. The National Marine Fisheries Service acknowledges the unnatural death of just one of these animals each year will likely contribute to the demise of the species. Yet, just this year, five right whales have died including three from vessel strikes and one from entanglement. Click here to see the latest North Right whale sighting reports.
While we acknowledge that altering the activities to these industries will result in short term negative economic impacts, we wish to point out that taking no action will have long term negative impacts on the species, possibly driving them to extinction. Congressional support for management, research, and innovative approaches is imperative to solve these problems. We therefore urge you to contact your senator, or those listed below and ask them to restore critical funding should targeted supplemental funding prove possible relative to FY07 appropriations. Also urge their advocacy for robust funding levels as they turn toward spending for FY08. Let them know that
Ocean inhabitants, including whales, are a precious resource for the entire world. We sincerely appreciate your understanding of how the demise of this population impacts all of the world’s citizens.
Please take a moment of your time to send an email to the following Senators.
Note*- Strong supporters for right whales in the past have been Olympia Snowe (ME), Judd Gregg (NH), and John Kerry (MA). Encouraging their continued support and thanking them for past efforts is appropriate. Just click on each individual name and fill in the forms adding your comments.
The heads of the Commerce, Justice, and Science subcommittee on appropriations are Richard Shelby (AL) and Barbara Mikulski (MD). An email contact from you encouraging them to support the monies budgeted for saving this critically endangered species would go a long way in helping save the North atlantic right whale. Thanks again for your help – this could really make a difference.
Source:WDCS |
