Assessing the Impacts for Establishing a Seasonal Protected Zone for the Safe Passage of Right Whales in Outer Casco Bay, Maine
Document Type
Event
Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) have been the subject of scientific and societal interest in recent years. After frequent entanglement in fishing gear and traps, their population has dwindled to just over 300 individuals worldwide. This led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement new regulations that will require lobstermen to weaken their fishing lines, which will come at a high cost and has led to substantial uproar from the fishing and lobstering communities. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) examines the environmental, social, and economic impacts of establishing a seasonal “safe zone” for right whales to pass through during their migration season in outer Casco Bay, Maine. Ultimately, the goal of the proposed project is to establish an area in the bay that can remain untouched by human activity including fishing and boating. This would undoubtedly have major impacts on the coastal community, as the fishing industry in Casco Bay serves as a pillar of Maine’s culture and economy. That being said, the increased presence of whales could boost the local economy, since the presence of whales could benefit tourism, Maine’s top industry. Through various assessments concerning air quality, water quality, marker buoy material, social impact, shipping channel disruptions, and economic impact, I will determine what bringing this project to completion would mean for the people, plants and animals within the community. This project could be very beneficial for right whales and the marine ecosystem as a whole, but it has many potential implications that must be taken into consideration before the protected area could be implemented.
Assessing the Impacts for Establishing a Seasonal Protected Zone for the Safe Passage of Right Whales in Outer Casco Bay, Maine
Right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) have been the subject of scientific and societal interest in recent years. After frequent entanglement in fishing gear and traps, their population has dwindled to just over 300 individuals worldwide. This led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement new regulations that will require lobstermen to weaken their fishing lines, which will come at a high cost and has led to substantial uproar from the fishing and lobstering communities. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) examines the environmental, social, and economic impacts of establishing a seasonal “safe zone” for right whales to pass through during their migration season in outer Casco Bay, Maine. Ultimately, the goal of the proposed project is to establish an area in the bay that can remain untouched by human activity including fishing and boating. This would undoubtedly have major impacts on the coastal community, as the fishing industry in Casco Bay serves as a pillar of Maine’s culture and economy. That being said, the increased presence of whales could boost the local economy, since the presence of whales could benefit tourism, Maine’s top industry. Through various assessments concerning air quality, water quality, marker buoy material, social impact, shipping channel disruptions, and economic impact, I will determine what bringing this project to completion would mean for the people, plants and animals within the community. This project could be very beneficial for right whales and the marine ecosystem as a whole, but it has many potential implications that must be taken into consideration before the protected area could be implemented.
