Be Aware - Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales are Lingering in the Bay of Fundy

News Release

DARTMOUTH, NS Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) advises that several endangered North Atlantic right whales are lingering in the Bay of Fundy.
The North Atlantic right whale population that typically resides in the Bay of Fundy during the summer months was expected to leave the area by early October; however, several sightings have indicated this is not the case.
Due to the unusual presence of right whales in the Bay at this time, DFO asks marine interests (vessel operators, boaters, fishermen, etc.) to be aware of the whales' unexpected presence and take any necessary precautions as the leading causes of mortality of the whale are fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes.
DFO is currently working with the US government and other agencies to monitor this situation and are working to alert marine interests and others of this unusual occurrence.
Named the right' whale by whalers because it is slow-moving and easy to catch, the North Atlantic right whale was hunted to near extinction by the late 1800s. In 1935, the League of Nations banned hunting of right whales in all oceans; and the whale is now protected by the Species at Risk Act. Despite these protections, North Atlantic right whale populations have shown no signs of recovery, and today only a small group of approximately 350 remains.
For more information on the North Atlantic right whale or the Species at Risk Act please visit: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes
If you do see a North Atlantic right whale in the Bay of Fundy, please contact Jerry Conway, Marine Mammal Advisory, Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 902-221-7265.
To Download Photos of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Bay of Fundy please follow:
www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/communications/maritimes/mediaImg-e.asp
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Communications Branch
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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Be Aware - Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales are Lingering in the Bay of Fundy

News Release

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