North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction and ship collisions are a contributing factor.
A report released by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this week determined that a rare species of whale is still under threat in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the agency, “The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with only about 400 whales remaining.” This incredibly low number is due in large part to overfishing in the 1890s and existing environmental factors are making it difficult for the species to recover.
NOAA has speed limits in place in various regions of America’s coastlines to avoid deadly collisions between boats and whales. However, the report found that only 81% of vessels were in compliance from 2018-2019. Until the population makes a suitable recovery, the whales will continue to have federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. NOAA is calling on shipping companies to comply with the imposed speed limits as part of the effort to decrease the preventable deaths in the whale population.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That God would be at work through NOAA as they work to protect His beautiful creation.
- For wisdom for administration leaders as they look for ways to improve compliance to speed restrictions.
- That God’s help in healing His creation and restoring the population of the North Atlantic right whale.
Sources: AP, NOAA.gov
