Anonymous,

We're losing the North Atlantic right whale.

In just the past two months, 2 percent of the world's remaining North Atlantic right whales died.1 For context: If the U.S. lost 2 percent of our population, it would be the equivalent of losing Oregon and New Mexico.

Only about 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Seven calves were born this season, but eight whales died this summer. That's a formula for extinction.2

Tell NOAA: We need to protect North Atlantic right whales before it's too late.

North Atlantic right whales are one of the world's most endangered species -- and human activity is the biggest threat to their survival. Entanglements in fishing equipment and accidental vessel collisions are frequent and fatal.3

At least three of the dead whales this summer were probably struck by ships, and that number may climb higher as researchers establish the cause of death for the other five. One whale was hit so hard, the ship left a six-foot gash in her back.4

If we don't take action, we could lose these gentle giants forever.

But there is hope: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to update protections aimed at keeping right whales safe from human activity, and it is requesting comments from the public until Sept. 16.

We're urging NOAA to improve its monitoring of right whale movements and food supplies, and to implement the protections that research tells us are needed to save the right whale.

This is our best chance to save this species from extinction. Tell NOAA: Help save the North Atlantic right whale.

The North Atlantic right whale came back from the brink of extinction once before, after we outlawed whaling in the 20th century. It would be tragic to lose them now.

Anonymous, will you stand up for the North Atlantic right whale?

Thank you for making it all possible.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Bassett
Senior Associate

1. Ron Brackett, "Two Percent of the World's Remaining North Atlantic Right Whales Have Died in the Past Two Months," The Weather Channel, August 4, 2019.
2. Ron Brackett, "Two Percent of the World's Remaining North Atlantic Right Whales Have Died in the Past Two Months," The Weather Channel, August 4, 2019.
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, "North Atlantic Right Whale," NOAA, last accessed August 6, 2019.
4. Amanda Coletta, "Two percent of the world's North Atlantic right whales have died in the last two months," The Washington Post, August 1, 2019.