IFAW and Atlantic Offshore Lobsterman’s Association to Host Whale Friendlier Lobster Gear Summit

“Saving the right whale requires collaboration and shared commitment.  Nearly ¾ of endangered right whales have scars from entanglement in fishing gear; it remains one of the biggest threats to the survival of the species.” Said Patrick Ramage, IFAW’s  Global Whale Program  Manager . “IFAW wants to ensure hardworking fishermen are able to comply with these new regulations.  We want to help minimize the hassle for fishermen while maximizing protection for this critically endangered species.”
 
Already one of the most endangered animals in the world, lobster gear entanglement is currently the second leading cause of North Atlantic Right Whale deaths as gear, lines and other fishing equipment clutter the ocean and latch onto whales swimming in its path, wrapping around their mouths, flippers and tails while causing severe damage. To reduce the debilitating effects of entanglement  on this species, regulations mandating use of ‘whale-friendlier’ sinking groundline in lobster fishery were finalized by NMFS in October 2007 and scheduled to take effect October 7, 2008; an announcement heralded worldwide by conservation groups as an important first step in creating solid regulations to protect whales and other ocean species from human-related activities, as well as expanding collaboration between commercial, legislative and NGO agencies.
 
Building upon the past success of IFAW’s Lobster Gear Replacement Project, industry collaboration continues in this Lobster Gear Summit.   This meeting affords an opportunity to reach common ground among participants by itemizing the equipment inventory needed, drafting a workable manufacturing timeline, and making the transition to reach compliance by the October 7, 2008 implementation date as smooth as possible. 
 
The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.
 
The Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association seeks to promote the sustainable use of fishery resources. To that end, AOLA works to advance resource conservation and responsible management practices and to promote cooperation among government, industry, and the scientific community. AOLA works on behalf of industry by raising awareness of lobster-related issues in order to ensure plentiful stocks for generations to come.