Non-profit organization Oceana Canada is urging Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to mandate the use of ropeless gear in high-risk areas for North Atlantic right whale entanglements by 2025. This call to action follows the recent sighting of Dropcloth, an adult male right whale, off the East Coast of Miscou Island, New Brunswick. This is the second instance of Dropcloth being found entangled in Canada, the first occurrence having been in July 2019.

The entanglement was detected during a routine survey. DFO, along with its partners, will continue to monitor Dropcloth’s condition and evaluate potential response options. The source of the fishing gear involved in the entanglement remains unknown.

“The news of another whale entangled in fishing gear is heartbreaking. With only 356 North Atlantic right whales left, and about 70 breeding-age females, this crisis must be stopped. Ropeless gear allows fishing activity to continue while preventing entanglements, removing webs of dangerous ropes from the path of migrating whales. Oceana Canada is calling on DFO to require ropeless gear by 2025 in areas that are the highest risk to right whales, Oceana Canada campaign director Kim Elmslie says.

“In addition, DFO must continue ropeless gear trials, provide support for gear-lending programs and maintain the current system of fisheries closures when whales are present. Even minor entanglements can harm a right whale, leading to devastating injuries and death. The governments must do everything possible to immediately protect this critically endangered population, or Canada risks watching a whale species go extinct in our lifetime.”