Human impacts continue to kill right whales 

Unfortunately, right whales and other large animals of the sea are dying at man’s hand to the point of extinction.   

This is the case for the North Atlantic right whale. NOAA relates on their website at  North Atlantic Right Whale | NOAA Fisheries that the species has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. There are approximately 370 individuals remaining, including about 70 reproductively active females. Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species. The number of new calves born in recent years has been below average. 

So, when I hear recreational boaters, fisherman, and commercial vessel operators complain about mandatory speed zones being applied in areas where whales have been sighted it raises big concerns. The technology we have today including GPS data tags, acoustic tagging and monitoring, spotter plane networks, etc. allows us to know where they are. Plain and simple mandatory slow zones should be applied to these areas. 

Science tells us whales, specifically right whale mortality, is directly related to two factors. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fixed fishing gear such as lobster pots and gill nets. Our robust food and forage profile is different than it was in the past. As a charter captain and angler in New England waters off Rhode Island and Massachusetts coast, I know we have always had a variety of bait and forage in the water including maceral and herring of all types, squid, sand lance, sand ells, silversides, scup, etc., but not in this abundance and here all at the same time close to shore. 

Right whales are baleen whales, feeding on copepods (tiny crustaceans) by straining huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates, which act like a sieve. These robust food and forage profiles are here due to warming water and it has brought large animals such as whales, sharks, dolphin and tuna closer to shore than ever before to feed. 

These animals being closer to shore to feed are now in areas where they normally do not swim in shipping lanes, in areas where there is fixed fishing gear and in areas where there is a great number of recreational, fishing and commercial vessels of all types enhancing the odds of whale strikes and entanglement. 

NOAA recently announced a new large whale research photo gallery at 2025 Large Whale Research in Photos | NOAA Fisheries. I was particularly struck by a photo of  a right whale named Accordion. North Atlantic right whale Accordion (right whale #4150) was spotted off the coast of New York on Feb. 3, 2025 with her new calf. This is her first calf and the 8th known for the 2025 right whale calving season. Accordion was first sighted in 2011 as a juvenile. She’s named for the series of propeller scars on her back that make her easily recognizable. 

I support mandatory speed zones where mammals are spotted, it makes good sense to protect these mammals and their precious few calves.  

Used tackle sale 

The Annual Snug Harbor Marina used tackle sale starts Saturday, April 26 and 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elisa Cahill of Snug Habor Marina, South Kingstown, RI, said, “We are getting some great used tackle including rods, reels, combos, lures, jigs and accessories in every day and will be accepting gear for sale right up until Friday, April 25.” So, if you have gear you no longer use it could become cash to get that tuna jigging combo or whatever new gear you may need. Receive a 100 percent store credit for sold used items, or get cash after the shop receives a 20 percent commission. For information on the sale contact Snug Harbor Marina, 410 Gooseberry Rd, Wakefield, RI, (401) 783-7766. 

Fisheries Commission annual report available 

The Atlantic States Maine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) 2024 annual report is now available at 2024 Annual Report - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

The ASMFC managers fisheries in state waters for coastal states from the three mile limit and inland. The report features a quick guide to stock status for the 27 species and species groups the commission manages; a fisheries management section, which focuses on species which had the most significant management or stock assessment activities in 2024; and sections highlighting major accomplishments in 2024 in the areas of fisheries science, habitat conservation, and fishery data collection and management.  

Visit the commission’s website at https://asmfc.org for additional information.  

Where’s the bite? 

Striped bass

“Striped bass fishing continues to be hot in our salt ponds and angler Tom McGuyer has been catching keeper size striped bass in the 30” to 31” range in the Narrow River this week,” said Elisa Cahill of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown. Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren, said, “Some of our customers have been fishing the Housatonic River in Connecticut and are hooking up with as many as 30 nice size bass a night.” 

Freshwater fishing

Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tack, said, “Largemouth bass fishing was on fire this week. We are catching fish in the seven pound range. In waterways that have herring runs white and purple jerk baits are working well. Other waterways are hot to with spinner baits being the ticket.” Opening day for trout season in Rhode Island is Saturday, April 12. 

Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.