Based on recent observations from the Department of Marine Resources' right whale monitoring vessel, our arial survey, and from fishermen observations, the number of endangered North Atlantic right whales seen recently off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge appears to have significantly decreased and have move.
Fishermen near Jeffrey' Ledge may replace their 2nd end line and shift gear as needed. The second lines should be in place by no later than Friday, March 28, 2025. If weather doesn’t allow this, please work with your local Marine Patrol Officer
We encourage to you to continue to be vigilant and monitor your speed. I also strongly encourage you to check https://whalemap.org/ for the latest whale survey results.
I want to thank you all for self-regulating and reducing risk by lowering the amount of endlines and moving gear. Any entanglement will no doubt make new Federal rules at the end of the pause very difficult to overcome.
Patrick Keliher
Commissioner
Maine Department of Marine Resource