North Atlantic Right Whale Found Dead Off Virginia
In response, Oceana released the following statements:
Press Release Date: April 2, 2024
Contacts: Megan Jordan, mjordan@oceana.org, 703.401.3004 Vaishali Dassani, vdassani@oceana.ca, +1 647.294.3335
Washington/Ottawa– North Atlantic right whale found dead off Virginia
Gib Brogan, campaign director at Oceana in the United States:
“There are now at least seven dead North Atlantic right whales in just three short months. The death of right whale #1950 is just the latest tragedy facing this species as it swims on the edge of extinction along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. While we wait for the necropsy results, we also know it will likely have deadly consequences for the mother’s newborn calf, born just this winter, which cannot survive on its own. These whales are not dying because of natural causes. They are dying preventable deaths as a result of collisions with boats and entanglements in fishing gear, and our government isn’t doing anything to stop it. How many more deaths must this endangered species face before President Biden takes action? President Biden: it’s time to take the conservation of right whales seriously and issue the proposed updates to the 2008 vessel speed rule immediately. President Biden has an opportunity and responsibility to act and make the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale part of his enduring legacy. These whales cannot wait any longer for protection.”
Kim Elmslie, campaign director at Oceana in Canada:
“The death of this female right whale and her calf pushes North Atlantic right whales even closer to extinction. This whale was found floating approximately 80 kilometres east of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, marking a grim milestone: the 40th right whale death since 2017. Urgent action is needed from both the Canadian and U.S. governments to save the remaining whales and prevent the species’ extinction. This includes mandatory vessel slowdowns across their full migration route and a swift move to ropeless and on-demand fishing gear. The future of this species rests on the shoulders of government decision-makers.”
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.