Marine Debris Removal in Right Whale Habitat
Atlantic Region; 2006
NOAA has partnered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to remove derelict fishing gear in Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) habitat, including Cape Cod Bay Critical Habitat. Because the area of concern is in state waters, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has provided a vessel and enforcement staff to ensure that the operations are conducted in accordance with state regulations, and has examined and disposed of the gear that is retrieved. The project hired lobstermen to find the gear and haul it safely. The project lowers the risk that the endangered right whales will become entangled in fishing gear, and it builds good will with the fishing industry through cooperative efforts to help right whales.
This program is housed within NOAA Fisheries' Northeast Regional Office and is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
