The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species on Earth—with fewer than 370 individuals remaining. These gentle giants are dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes like entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes. Scientists, conservationists, and federal agencies have made it clear: we need stronger protections now—not a decade from now.

But a new push from fishing industry groups and some members of Congress could delay urgently needed safeguards until the year 2035. That’s seven more years past an already extended 2028 deadline. If we wait that long, we may lose this species forever.

We’re calling on Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reject any legislative efforts to postpone whale protections. The right whale can’t afford more delays. We need permanent rules that reduce the risk of lethal entanglements and collisions, and we need them in place as soon as possible—not years down the line when it may be too late.

Every day we delay action increases the chance that more whales will die needlessly. We must act urgently and responsibly to protect one of the last remaining giants of our oceans.

Please sign this petition to demand immediate, science-based protections for the North Atlantic right whale. Congress must act to preserve—not postpone—this species’ survival.