Feds propose to protect 39,655 square miles
for endangered whales

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"Proposal will protect calving, foraging areas of last remaining 450 whales."

In response to the efforts of conservation and wildlife protection groups, the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed recently to protect 39,655 square miles as critical habitat for North Atlantic right whales. Only about 450 of the critically endangered whales exist today, and without additional protections the species faces a serious risk of extinction. 

The Fisheries Service’s proposed rule would protect crucial habitat for right whales, including northeast feeding areas in the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank region and calving grounds from southern North Carolina to northern Florida. However, the proposal entirely ignores the species’ twice-yearly migratory routes through the mid-Atlantic.

The proposed rule responds to a September 2009 petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, The Humane Society of the United States and Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Issuance of the proposed rule was also compelled by a settlement agreement resolving litigation over the agency’s delay in taking action on the petition. 

“Right whales are at an extinction crossroads right now—offshore oil drilling, military sonar and commercial shipping on the Atlantic pose a serious risk to their survival. Protecting critical habitat between calving and foraging areas will be essential to saving these majestic whales,” said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director at the Center for Biological Diversity.
More Information:

www.biologicaldiversity.org
Content from Common Dreams
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Posted May 2015
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