Expressing concerns over the dwindling population of North Atlantic right whales, an international environmental advocacy group has voiced disappointment with the Canadian government's perceived lack of progress in enhancing protections for these majestic creatures.
Kim Elmslie of Oceana Canada says they are still seeing whales entangled in Canadian gear. (CBC)
Kim Elmslie, campaign director for Oceana Canada, a prominent ocean conservation organization, conveyed a sense of missed opportunity in this year's protective measures. "We had hoped for more significant strides," Elmslie remarked during an interview with Information Morning Moncton. Despite this, she noted a degree of relief that the existing protections have at least been upheld. "Initially, we're relieved to see no regression in the measures," Elmslie acknowledged.
The recent report from Fisheries and Oceans Canada outlined management measures aimed at safeguarding North Atlantic right whales in Canadian waters. These measures encompass restrictions on fishing gear and activities in areas where right whales have been sighted for specific durations. Additionally, if a whale is observed within nine to 15 days after the closure of a fishing area, the closure is extended accordingly. Precautionary surveillance measures are also instituted before the commencement of certain fishing seasons to ensure the absence of right whales.
Moreover, the report detailed seven supplementary measures for 2024, identical to those implemented in 2023. Elmslie stressed the urgency of such protection measures, citing Oceana's estimation of only 356 North Atlantic right whales remaining, with a mere 70 being reproductive females. She lamented the dire outcome of the previous calving season, with only 19 calves born and an unfortunate presumption of three calf fatalities. Despite these grim statistics, Elmslie maintained hope for the species' recovery through adequate protective measures.
A focal point for Oceana's advocacy efforts lies in establishing a national strategy for whale-safe gear, particularly emphasizing the adoption of ropeless fishing gear to mitigate entanglement risks—a prevalent threat to whale populations. Elmslie highlighted ongoing challenges, including instances of whales becoming entangled in Canadian gear, some of which constitutes ghost gear—abandoned or detached gear posing hazards to marine life.
A map from DFO shows areas where protections for right whales are in place. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
Ropeless fishing gear, exemplified by traps equipped with technology to sink autonomously, offers a promising solution, albeit at a considerable cost. Elmslie expressed optimism for governmental support in implementing these changes through targeted programs. Additionally, she underscored the need for rope that breaks at lower strengths, facilitating easier self-liberation for entangled whales.
Canada has made strides in certain areas, such as mandating gear marking and reporting lost gear, positioning itself ahead of the United States in certain conservation efforts, Elmslie noted. However, she emphasized the imperative for continued collaborative efforts and proactive measures to prevent further declines in right whale populations.
In December, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced its commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy on whale-safe fishing gear, signaling a step forward in Canada's conservation initiatives. Despite these developments, Elmslie stressed the urgency of further action to avert the looming threat of extinction facing North Atlantic right whales.
Source: Sam Farley (Mar 28, 2024). Environmental group disappointed Canada has not increased protections for right whales. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/right-whale-protections-same-as-last-year-1.7157821
