Biden-Harris Administration announces over $9 million for partnerships to recover North Atlantic right whales

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1. About 70 reproductive females left in a population of approximately 360 right whales. Yes, entanglement is a leading cause of injury. The $9 million seems a drop in the bucket when compared to the problem. More funding and emphasis on habitat protection is needed to protect the right whale until more sustainable fishing practices can be developed.

   >An estimated $6.9 million of this funding will support further development of on-demand (or “ropeless”) fishing gear technology by providing funds to fishing industry partners to assess and provide feedback on technologies that prevent fishing gear entanglements. NOAA Fisheries and its partners estimate that over 85% of right whales have been entangled in fishing gear at least once in their lifetime. Reducing entanglements is necessary to prevent the extinction of — and ultimately recover — the species.

   >Approximately $2.8 million will fund partner efforts to improve monitoring and modeling efforts. Long-term population monitoring will provide essential insights into individual health and reproduction, as well as distribution, abundance, and habitat-use patterns.

   [https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2017-2024-north-atlantic-right-whale-unusual-mortality-event](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/2017-2024-north-atlantic-right-whale-unusual-mortality-event)