Whale species’ survival jeopardized by bill backed by Donald Trump: internal memo
The memo cites about 380 whales left and says a 12-year delay could leave the species functionally extinct.
- An internal Fisheries Department memo released Thursday warned that legislation backed by President Donald Trump threatens North Atlantic right whale survival by delaying federal protections until 2035.
- The bill, introduced by Democratic representative Jared Golden of Maine, would delay protections by nearly a decade to allow time for industry-friendly measures with fewer implications for fishing.
- Fewer than 400 of these endangered whales remain, with roughly 70 breeding females, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; warming waters and ocean traffic force them into deadly collision zones.
- The bill cleared the House Natural Resources Committee last month and could reach the Republican-controlled Congress this summer, where it is likely to pass and potentially require Canadian harvesters to reduce impacts on the species.
- Beyond Golden's proposal, NOAA is considering changing ship-speed rules in place since 2008, which Amy Knowlton of the New England Aquarium described as "a disaster," while the White House confirmed Trump's advisers would recommend signing the bill.
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According to an internal government note, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff are concerned that the U.S. Congress may be on the verge of passing legislation to jeopardize the survival of the North Atlantic right whale.
Internal DFO memo warns Trump-backed bill threatens right whale survival
Staff at the federal Fisheries Department are worried the United States government is about to adopt legislation jeopardizing the survival of the North Atlantic right whale, according to an internal government memo.
Internal DFO memo warns Trump-backed bill could threaten right whale survival
Staff at the federal Fisheries Department are worried the United States government is about to adopt legislation jeopardizing the survival of the North Atlantic right whale, according to an internal government memo.
According to an internal government note, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff are concerned that the U.S. Congress may be on the verge of passing legislation that endangers the survival of the North Atlantic right whale.
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