NOAA ruling regarding gear modifications to Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

Washington, DC – September 18, 2021 – Danielle Kessler, US Country Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued the following statement regarding the recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ruling modifying the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction plan which seeks to conserve and ultimately rebuild the population of Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales:

"IFAW is working to ensure the 360 remaining right whales survive and that New England fishermen maintain access to important fishing areas. NOAA’s foresight and decision to open seasonally closed areas to those utilizing ropeless fishing technology represents an encouraging step forward for right whales and lobstermen. Ropeless, or "on-demand vertical line" technology, can sharply reduce rope in the water where whales are known to migrate, dramatically lowering the risk of deadly entanglement.

Fishermen using ropeless technology will now be able to remain on the water fishing in areas closed to traditional lobster gear due to the seasonal presence of right whales.

NOAA’s support gives ropeless technology a push toward becoming the preferred method of choice for fishermen, a critical piece of the conservation puzzle as stakeholders across sectors work tirelessly to save one of the most endangered marine species on the planet.”