Endangered North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction. An unusual mortality event was declared for North Atlantic right whales in 2017, and currently includes 151 individuals (41 dead, 39 seriously injured, and 71 sublethally injured or ill). The primary causes of the UME are entanglements in fishing gear such as lobster pots and vessel strikes in both U.S. and Canadian waters, which are long-standing threats to the recovery of the species.
Two Right Whales, identified as #5110 and #4120, were seen December 9, 2024, by a NOAA Fisheries aerial survey entangled swimming approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
On Feb. 9, 2025, a Center for Coastal Studies aerial survey team saw North Atlantic right whale #4120 swimming in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. #4120 appears to have shed her entangling gear and is now gear-free. This was the first sighting of #4120 since she was seen entangled in December.
North Atlantic right whale #5110 has not been seen since he was documented entangled on Dec. 9, 2024. That entanglement met the unusual mortality event criteria of a serious injury. Responders will continue to keep a lookout for him but many fear the whale is dead.
Mariners are encouraged to report sightings of entangled, injured, or dead whales through the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline for Maine to Virginia: (866) 755-6622; and/or report sightings through use U.S. Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16.
If safe, and from the legally required 500-yard distance, please take photos or video and note the GPS coordinates to share with authorized responders.
New Right Whale Slow Zone
On Feb. 28, 2025, the Martha’s Vineyard Buoy operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) redetected the presence of right whales southwest of Nantucket, MA. The right whale Slow Zone is in effect through March 15, 2025.
As a reminder, additional Slow Zones are also currently in effect. Locations and effective dates can be found at Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales | NOAA Fisheries.
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected.
Fly fishing for trophy size striped
bass in tidal rivers
If you want to fly fish for trophy size striped bass do not miss fly fishing expert and guide Ed Lombardo at the Rhody Fly Rodders seminar on Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m. There is no charge to attend the seminar, which is taking place at the Riverside Sportsman Club, 19 Mohawk Dr, Riverside, RI.
Ed Lombardo plans to share the tidal rivers and estuaries that he has fished in RI for many years. Learn to read the water which holds these magnificent Bass. And learn about the flies Ed users and other strategies and tactics to catch these big fish on the fly. His favorite fly fishing terminal tackle set-up will also be shared.
For information contact Ed Stachelek, club president at castaflycharters@cox.net .
Fishing Show big success
The New England Saltwater Fishing Show held this weekend, at the Rhode Island Convention Center waws a big success. The Show features tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothes and much more.
“Great crowds for three days and we had a great family day on Sunday. Show participants loved the crowds as most attendees are hard core fishers and buyers,” said Scott Travers, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers, sponsor of the show.
Neil Hayes of Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown, said, “The crowd has been very consistent. We had a great flow of traffic all day Friday, it held yesterday, and today, Sunday, the last day of the show, it seems like it is going to be strong right through to the end. It is great to see customers here and sales have been good.”
Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com .
Trout Unlimited Annual Fundraiser
Banquet and Auction
Rhode Island Trout Unlimited will hold their annual Fundraiser Banquet and Auction on Saturday, April 5, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Quonst ‘O’ Club in North Kingstown.
This year’s special guest will be George Daniel, Director of Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing School at Penn State.
An impressive array of silent and live auction items and bucket raffles will be accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner.
Share your passion for conservation and fishing with like-minded individuals while supporting a great cause. Tickets: $50 for adults; $20 for children up to age 12 at Rhode Island Trout Unlimited Annual Fundraiser: Sat, Apr 5, 2025.
Where’s the bite?
Cod. Party boat fishing and a few smaller charter boats continue to fish for cod south of Cape Cod and off Rhode Island waters. Visit Fishing Machine Charters, Pt. Judith, RI at www.fishingmachinecharters.com; www.islandcurrent.com and www.francesfleet.com.Fishing. Full day rates for party boat vessels are generally $130 to $135 per adult and around $80 for those under 12 years old.
Freshwater fishing. For stocked ponds in Massachusetts visit Mass Wildlife at Trout stocking report | Mass.gov. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) stocked thirteen waterways last week for updates visit Designated Trout Waters | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
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.
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