Overview

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is critically endangered. Policies and protections are designed to reduce human-caused mortality (ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement) and to protect critical habitats that are important for feeding, calving, and migration.

Key Protection Laws & Rules

  • Endangered Species Act (ESA) — affords legal protection and requires recovery planning.
  • Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) — prohibits harassment, harm, or taking of marine mammals in U.S. waters.
  • NOAA Vessel Speed Rules — seasonal and dynamic management areas where vessel speeds are reduced to limit ship strikes.
  • Fisheries Regulations — gear modifications, closures, and fishing restrictions to reduce entanglements.
  • International Measures — cross-border cooperation between the U.S. and Canada for shared migratory habitats.

Protected Habitats & Areas

Critical habitat designations identify areas essential for survival and recovery. Examples include:

  • Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin (Canada)
  • Gulf of Maine and Cape Cod Bay (U.S.)
  • Southeast U.S. calving grounds off Georgia and Florida

Within or near these areas, regulations may include speed limits, seasonal restrictions, and real-time management when whales are detected.

Conservation Programs & Technologies

  • Acoustic Monitoring: Buoys and hydrophones detect whale vocalizations and can trigger alerts to mariners.
  • Photo-ID Catalogs: Researchers maintain catalogs of individuals using callosity patterns to track sightings and movements.
  • Tagging & Tracking: Satellite tags help map migrations and identify important feeding and calving sites.
  • Ropeless Fishing Gear: Developing alternatives to static lines to avoid entanglements.
  • Vessel-Alert Systems: Apps and notification systems that warn vessels when whales are nearby.

Effectiveness & Challenges

Policies have helped reduce some risks, but challenges remain:

  • Compliance and enforcement of speed rules vary by region and vessel type.
  • Shifts in whale distribution (likely due to changing food availability) can make static protection areas less effective.
  • Commercial fishing and recreational gear continue to pose entanglement risks.
  • Ongoing research and adaptive management are required to update protections as conditions change.

How You Can Help

  • Follow posted vessel speed restrictions and slow down in known whale areas.
  • Report sightings to local authorities and research hotlines (see your Report page).
  • Support and advocate for adoption of ropeless gear and stronger enforcement.
  • Share accurate information and encourage safe boating practices.