In a previous blog post, we discussed how just days after the new Large Whale Take Reduction Plan regulations were announced, the state of Maine hired a team of lawyers to fight these regulations. Those on the opposite side of this issue continue to fight to preserve old ways. It is important for us to keep fighting to help the North Atlantic right whale and other species that are impacted by humans, and we need to act now.
One thing we can all do right now is make our voices heard. One way you can do this is to submit a comment for the scoping period. NOAA is holding call-in days in October, and the next one is Tuesday October 12th from 10-4. Anyone can call the hotline during these hours and voice their opinion on the new regulations, and why we need to keep them. This phone line (978-282-8479) will only be open during these hours, so make sure it’s on your calendar! You can also send an email during this time to nmfs.gar.ALWTRT2021@noaa.gov. If you aren’t sure what to say, our colleges at Whale and Dolphin Conservation have come up with some ideas below.
If you live in Maine, you can also reach out to your state offices directly to voice your opinion. You can use the suggestions from WDC and send them to your state representatives.
We anticipate more opportunities for the public to speak up in the coming months, be sure to keep an eye on our social media pages!
