Right whales spend a lot of time near the surface of the ocean, making them vulnerable to boat strikes
Since the start of the summer, across New England we have been talking to people at their doors, offices, and on the street about the threats that the critically endangered North Atlantic Right whale faces every day – and New Englanders have been speaking up.
Over the past five months, more than 7,000 individuals and 126 small business owners across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut have signed petitions calling on the Biden administration and Members of Congress to stand up for the Right whale.
Mary Alex Beverly | TPIN
Rhode Islanders sign petition to save Right whales
Specifically, the petitions urge the Biden administration to finalize a rule that would slow down boats in Right whale migratory zones. Right whales swim slow and close to the surface, making them difficult to see and easy to accidentally hit. Right now, boat strikes are one of the leading causes of Right whale deaths, and with fewer than 360 of them left on Earth, it is critical that boats go slower.
The Right whales are native to New England waters, and without intervention, they could go extinct on our watch. If you want to join New England’s effort to save the Right whale, add your name today.
Mary Alex Beverly
Former Save Our Oceans, Associate, Environment America