U.S. Bill Backed by Trump Could Push North Atlantic Right Whale Toward Extinction

Fisheries and Oceans Canada circulated an internal memo in May expressing alarm that a Trump-backed U.S. bill could endanger the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. The proposal, led by Representative Jared Golden, seeks to delay fresh federal protections for the species until 2035, extending an existing U.S. moratorium that currently runs to 2028. The memo cites modelling that indicates a 12-year window before the whales become functionally extinct, meaning no breeding females would remain.

With fewer than 400 whales alive and only about 70 breeding females, scientists such as Sean Brillant of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Amy Knowlton of the New England Aquarium warn that postponing safeguards could reverse recent population rebounds. The bill has cleared the House Natural Resources Committee and may advance to the Republican-controlled Senate this summer, where it is expected to pass. Canadian officials declined to comment on the memo’s specifics, but noted ongoing efforts to monitor and protect the whales.