North Atlantic Right Whale Protection Bill Threatens Species and Fisheries

The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Marine Conservation Science team is working to reduce entanglement of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, whose population is estimated at about 380 individuals, including roughly 70 breeding females. In Atlantic Canada, the CanFISH Gear Lending Program provides on‑demand (ropeless) fishing gear that allows crab and lobster harvesters to fish in areas closed to traditional buoyline gear, helping to protect whales while mitigating financial losses for coastal communities.

A bill introduced by U.S. Representative Jared Golden seeks to delay new federal protections for the right whale until 2035, extending an existing U.S. pause on measures until 2028. The proposal, cleared by the House Natural Resources Committee, could pass the Republican‑controlled Senate. Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Canada warned that the delay could miss a critical window for whale recovery and may require Canadian harvesters to take additional steps to reduce impacts on the species. The legislation highlights the tension between marine conservation and the fishing industry across the United States and Canada.