North Atlantic Right Whale update

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

Man, I hate to be a buzkil but I will present some unfortunate data for thoughtful consideration. The first fatality of a NARW (North Atlantic Right Whale) for 2018 occurred last week. She was a 10 year old female discovered off the coast of VA, whale number 3893. This after coming off 17 deaths in 2017 or 3.7% of the entire NARW population estimated to be at 450 whales. Of that population, there are only 100 breeding females calving at an average of every 6 years. To put it in mathematical perspective, this would be akin to 12 million deaths occurring suddenly in the US population with a declining birth rate. A simple statistical scatterplot illustrates that the population is not sustainable at the current death rate vs. birth rate. NOAA officials for the first time have come to recognize that despite maritime and fisheries protections implemented since 1997, this species is on a secular decline and may become extinct. Most causes of death in 2017 were fishing gear entanglements followed by 6 fatalities due to blunt force trauma, ship strikes. Canadian and US Conservationists are meeting with fisheries stake holders and are looking at ropeless fishing trap technology. I'm not an alarmist or environmental wacko. I'm a guy who has a mariner's heart. I have a recreational tugboat, I love being at sea and I love seafood. I am obligated to be a steward of those things on this big blue marble that was created. I am a uncomfortable witness to a train wreck of a species and I just can't be a bystander. I'm generally not a "joiner" of movements, but I will take time on a rainy Sunday in Georgia to bring this up on your radar. GA-Midnight Cruise

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Thanks for bringing this sad news to our attention. It is a reminder that, regardless of political stripes, all of us tug owners have an obligation to be good stewards of the rivers, lakes and coastal waters that are our playground.

Jeff