Right whale plane surveys in Gulf of Maine suspended with $200K budget cut | AI News Digest
Federal funding cuts have halted fall airplane surveys for North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine, impacting efforts to monitor this critically endangered species. The Provincetown-based Center for Coastal Studies will still conduct winter and spring surveys over Cape Cod Bay, where a significant portion of the whale population gathers. The budget cut of $200,000 from NOAA has raised concerns about the future of marine research and conservation programs. Despite these challenges, the center's leadership remains committed to diversifying funding sources to maintain research efforts. Legislators are advocating for restored funding to support NOAA's vital programs. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle to protect North Atlantic right whales and their habitats.
