“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale
A perspective from Jasmine Littleson
For thousands of years, the North Atlantic right whale was a cornerstone of the Atlantic Ocean ecosystem. Sadly, this majestic species is almost extinct.
Today there are only about 340 of these whales left, of which only 70 are birthing females. Alarmingly, their population has declined by 30% in just the past decade, and nearly 2/3rds of those deaths are a result of fishing gear entanglement.
You see, a lot of lobster and crab fishing these days is done by attaching long ropes to traps that sit on the bottom of the ocean, which can be pulled up by fishing boats. Unfortunately, these ropes are located right where the North Atlantic right whale migrates.
Rope entanglements dig into the flesh of a whale, eventually dragging them to their deaths. But this fishing technology is severely outdated. New ropeless technology allows fishers to acoustically signal their gear to the surface with a lift bag or stowed rope.
In contrast to the dire situation faced by the North Atlantic right whales due to outdated fishing practices, there is a glimmer of hope with the advent of new ropeless technology. This innovative approach enables fishers to signal their gear to the surface using acoustics, eliminating the risk of entanglement for marine life.
By incorporating lift bags or stowed rope, this modern solution not only addresses the urgent conservation needs of endangered species but also highlights the potential for sustainable and responsible fishing practices. As we strive to protect our oceans and their inhabitants, embracing advanced technologies becomes crucial in fostering a harmonious coexistence between human activities and marine ecosystems.
Now, when it comes to fishing bass in Texas, a prime source of information on ideal locations and techniques can be found through local angling communities and online resources dedicated to the thriving bass fishing scene.
Protecting a critically endangered species like this is national law – and was being upheld in court – until Senator Susan Collins from Maine sunk in a special provision to a large must-pass bill in Congress. That provision seeks to quash federal agencies from enacting stronger protections for these whales for many years to come.
After being driven to near extinction twice, we have a chance to either save this species or cause its demise. Please contact your member of Congress and tell them you oppose blocking commonsense protections for North Atlantic right whales.
(featured image via Wikimedia Commons)
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
