Ropeless and NARWC Consortia 2022 Annual Meetings
24-26 October 2022

We have tentative dates for the 2022 Annual Meeting for the Ropeless Consortium (October 24th) and NARW Consortium (October 25-26).

While we continue to work through venue logistics, we anticipate the meetings being in person and are likely to take place in Massachusetts, USA. We intend to have some level of virtual participation as there will be capacity limits for both meetings.

For planning purposes, it would be helpful for the Boards to have a sense of interest in meeting participation (both in person and virtual). The link below is a quick survey to gauge interest for both meetings. Please respond by COB Wednesday, May 11th.

2022 Annual Meeting Survey

NARWC Data Sharing: Soliciting Input from Data Contributors and Users

One of the most effective and impactful contributions of the NARWC to research, management, and conservation communities is its data sharing framework, which has been recognized internationally as a model for other species-focused consortia. At the heart of this framework are the data contributors – those individuals and organizations who recognize the value in shared knowledge. As engagement in right whale (and other species) conservation changes over time in participation, areas of focus, and collection methods, it is prudent to periodically review and revise, if necessary, our NARWC data sharing protocols.

Our first step in this process is to solicit input from data contributors and users about existing data sharing and access protocols. This information will be summarized and shared with the Data Sharing and Access Working Group, comprised of a subset of major data contributors and NARWC Board members.

Responses to this questionnaire can be submitted anonymously if desired. The questionnaire will close at 5pm ET on May 13th. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions and thank you in advance for your time and contributions!

Upcoming Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team Meeting May 9-13

The Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team will be holding a virtual meeting May 9-13 to discuss the Phase 2 modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. Recent modifications to the Plan addressed the risk posed by the Northeast lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fishery, which accounts for 93 percent of the buoy lines in areas where endangered North Atlantic right whales occur. Those modifications were published in September 2021, and are either already in effect (seasonal restricted areas) or become effective on May 1 (gear marking, trawling up, and weak buoy line requirements).

At the May meeting, the Team will discuss recommendations to reduce the risk of entanglement to right, humpback, and fin whales in U.S. East Coast gillnet, Atlantic mixed species trap/pot, and Mid-Atlantic lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fisheries. We conducted public scoping on Phase 2 modifications in the fall, and met with the Team in November, January, February, and March for informational updates. On Thursday, April 28, the Team will meet for an additional webinar to view demonstrations of the Decision Support Tool, including results of model runs analyzing ideas brought forth by the Team and public scoping in 2021. While these webinars and meetings are for Team members, anyone is welcome to attend. Public participation is limited to remarks or input during public comment periods. Find out more or register for meetings on our Upcoming Meetings page.

The latest issue (March 2022) of Right Whale News is now available. The deadline for contributions to the next issue is May 25th, 2022, and should be submitted to Jim Hain, Editor. As a reminder, current and back issues are available on the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Website. Additionally, the RWN 2004-2014 Index is also posted on the website. Questions regarding Right Whale News should be directed to Jim Hain, Editor.

Reports

Have something to share?

Consortium members are encouraged to share news of relevant publications, upcoming events, etc. with the membership. Please forward relevant information to the NARWC Executive Administrator.

Upcoming Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team Meeting May 9-13

Right Whale News

Resources