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right whale. The recovery plan identifies the most important 

 threats to the survival of this whale. NMFS, EPA, the Coast 

 Guard, and others have been discussing methods to implement the 

 recovery plan and to reduce threats to the survival of the 

 species. We now have a unique opportunity to develop and 

 implement practical programs to provide real protection for 

 endangered whales at a time when public interest and support are 

 high. 



First, in order to reduce ship collisions and fishing gear 

 entanglements with northern right whales and with humpback 

 whales, there is a need to develop programs to disseminate whale 

 hazard information and vessel operator cautions. 



Second, it is important to maximize efforts to free 

 entangled or stranded northern right whales and humpback whales. 

 Such steps could include enhancing the efficiency of the existing 

 whale entanglement response team; establishing back-up 

 disentanglement equipment; establishing a communication network 

 among frequent users of the area; supporting research to identify 

 how fishing gear could be designed or deployed differently to 

 reduce entanglement risks; and establishing protocols for 

 monitoring entangled -animals and assessing the need for response. 



Third, it is important to identify and protect habitats 

 essential to the survival and recovery of right whales and 

 humpback whales, and to map these areas on nautical charts. 

 Measures to ensure the protection of these areas might include 

 monitoring for contaminants that could impact whales or their 



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75-454 0-94-3 



