"Rising Concern: 37th North Atlantic Right Whale Found Dead near Martha's Vineyard"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY
An endangered juvenile right whale was found dead off Martha's Vineyard, entangled in a rope, marking the second tragedy for the critically endangered species this month. With only 356 estimated right whales remaining, human-related deaths from fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes pose significant threats to their survival. Efforts to protect the whales, including on-demand fishing gear and speed limits, have faced controversy and delays, while advocacy groups emphasize the urgent need for stronger protection to prevent the species from plunging toward extinction.