Dear _______________,

The situation facing North Atlantic right whales off the Maine coast is dire. Since 2017 NOAA has documented more than 80 deaths and serious injuries likely to result in death. The primary culprit of these cases is fishing gear entanglement. Without serious and immediate protections for right whales, this iconic species will be functionally extinct within two decades.

Your action is critical in the following areas:

1. Take steps to acknowledge and address Maine gear entanglement risk. In February 2024, a North Atlantic right whale died due to an 18 month entanglement in rope from Maine lobster gear. North Atlantic right whales are frequently sighted off the coast of Maine, and the Maine lobster fishery bears proportional responsibility for right whale entanglement risk.
2. Understand and utilize current research and expert scientific advisors familiar with the extensive body of right whale research to inform Maine’s entanglement mitigation strategy.
3. Invest in whale-safe fishing solutions. Support the lobster fishery’s transition to universal use of weak links and/or reduced breaking strength vertical lines, and a near-term transition to on-demand, ropeless trap retrieval technology in areas of high entanglement risk – and remove regulatory obstacles to their use.  Support federal and state funding measures that guarantee fishermen and their families will not bear financial responsibility for saving right whales from extinction.
4. Position Maine as a leader in the fight to save right whales, and as a model for innovative fishing technologies among our neighbors. Massachusetts and Canada are already making these moves – don’t let Maine be left behind!

With Federal and state-specific lobster gear marking launched in 2020 for Maine fishing grounds, it is only a matter of time before another right whale shows up entangled in Maine gear. Are you willing to risk further Maine fishing gear entanglements and the resulting stain on Maine’s reputation?

The extinction of the right whale may be averted if you have the courage and vision to act now. The Maine lobster fishery has the chance to become a hero in this story, and can lead among northeast fisheries in implementing fishing practices that ensure our oceans are safer for whales and other wildlife. 

Respectfully,

[Your Name]
[Your Town/City], Maine