MAINE COALITION FOR NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES –
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 03, 2024
STATEMENT REGARDING UPDATED NECROPSY FINDINGS FOR RIGHT WHALE #5120
The updated necropsy findings from right whale #5120 highlight the rigorous scientific process
that went into documenting the life and death of this animal. Based on field sighting records,
right whale #5120 carried a gear entanglement around her tail stock for at least 18 months.
And a tight wrap of rope around her tail ultimately caused her death. This is a devastating loss
for a small population, and likely a brutal existence for a young whale.
With this case, we have concrete evidence that right whales are getting entangled in Maine
lobster gear. But they are not the only ones. Since state-specific gear marking rules went into
effect in 2020, at least 10 minke and humpback whales have also been entangled in Maine
lobster gear – which must have purple markings. Where rope and whales co-occur in the
ocean, there is risk for chronic and lethal entanglements. But we already have the solutions
that we need to solve this problem.
On-demand fishing gear harvests lobsters without persistent vertical ropes or buoy lines. It is a
preventative solution to entanglements of all large whale species and provides an opportunity
for lobstermen to continue fishing in areas that are closed or restricted to protect whales.
Lobstermen are encouraged to use properly installed weak links outside closed areas. Weak
links significantly lower the risk of severe entanglements of all large whales. Maine DMR
maintains an on-demand gear lending library and provides compensation for lobster harvesters
to field test this gear to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Collaboration, data collection, and
feedback from the fishing community is critical to the success of on-demand fishing technology.
If you are a Maine lobsterman, please consider partnering with Maine DMR to test on-demand
gear in your area.
Related Links:
NOAA Right Whale Updates: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-
conservation/north-atlantic-right-whale-updates
Registration Form to Test On-Demand Gear in Maine: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/form/dmr-
alternative-gear-testing-req