COVID19: Cruise Lines Cancel Antarctica Cruises
by Victoria Klesty (Reuters) – Norway’s Hurtigruten has called off its remaining Antarctica cruises from January to March next year and will reduce capacity along the Norwegian coast because of...
Drawing by Louise Jennison
To help protect the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries Service is reminding mariners that the start of calving (birthing) season begins Nov. 15, and continues through April 15. The calving season is particularly critical because pregnant mothers and new-born calves are susceptible to ocean-surface traffic.
“Protecting right whale mothers and their young is critical to the recovery of the population,” said Barb Zoodsma, NOAA Fisheries Service right whale biologist. “The loss of any right whale is of concern, and we ask for everyone to adhere to measures that protect this critically endangered species.”
Each year, pregnant females migrate southward more than 1,000 miles from feeding areas off Canada and New England to the warm, calm, coastal waters off South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida to give birth and nurse their young. These waters are the only known calving area for the species.
Collisions with ships and entanglement in fixed fishing gear are the two greatest threats to the recovery of North Atlantic right whales, which is why it is important that all mariners and fishers are aware of the regulations.
Beautiful and majestic species from the far reaches of the world are extinct as a direct result of commercial activities, the only difference today is you can help. The following are action items to help get the message out.
Mariners;
Shore Side support;
Everyone;
Information;
Right Whale Mandatory Ship Reporting System placard
LATEST RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING CHART – NorthEast
LATEST RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING – SouthEast
Reporting;
Links;
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