Measures introduced to better protect endangered North Atlantic right whales will continue this year — with some adjustments — after no deaths were reported in Canadian waters in 2020. "Last season is proof that by working together, we can effectively protect North Atlantic right whales while also continuing to put high quality, sustainable seafood on dinner plates in Canada and around the world." Going forward, right whales must be detected during the last week of the closure for an extension to be triggered. Burns said DFO's objective is to "minimize the impacts on fisheries while maximizing the protection of North Atlantic right whales." Fisheries and Oceans Canada said it will also establish a new technical working group for harvesters, right whale experts and department officials to have regular conversations about right whale protections.

Source: CBC News February 18, 2021 18:39 UTC