New England Aquarium warns passage of House bill threatens survival of North Atlantic right whales

BOSTON, MASS. (Sept. 2, 2026) – In response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing H.R. 9436, the New England Aquarium is issuing the following statement from Chief of Conservation and Stewardship Dr. Letise LaFeir.

“The New England Aquarium warns that legislative action further delaying federal measures intended to reduce entanglement risk for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale threatens the future of the species. The regulatory pause outlined in H.R. 9436 disregards the best available science and would stall collaboration among the fishing community, scientists, agencies, and conservation organizations to develop practical solutions that would help this at-risk population. The Aquarium believes safeguarding right whales and supporting fisheries are complementary goals, and continued collaboration can balance fishers’ needs with the actions needed to prevent this species from further decline and extinction. We thank congressional leaders who continue to support right whale conservation efforts, and we strongly urge against any additional action to advance H.R. 9436 or similar policies.”

BACKGROUND:

North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered large whale species in the world, with an estimated population of about 380 and only 75 reproductive females. Entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes, which are the leading causes of injury and death for the species, are preventable. Timely and effective actions are required to reduce entanglement risks for these whales. For more than 40 years, the New England Aquarium’s Right Whale Research Program, which is part of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, has extensively studied this critically endangered species. Scientists focus on solutions-based work, conducting critical science; collaborating with the fishing community on new techniques to reduce deadly entanglements in fishing gear; facilitating communication across the maritime industry to reduce vessel strikes; and working with government agencies and lawmakers locally, nationally, and internationally to develop science-based protections for right whales. The Aquarium seeks to balance growth of the blue economy, innovation, and job creation with ocean stewardship, conservation, and sound science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org