IFAW warns H.R. 9436 would undermine North Atlantic right whale recovery

(Washington, DC – September 1, 2026) – Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager at IFAW, issued the following statement regarding US House of Representatives passage of H.R. 9436 and its implications for North Atlantic right whale conservation: 

“IFAW is outraged by the House passage of H.R. 9436. The so-called 'Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026' would extend a moratorium on new lobster and crab gear regulations for an additional seven years—nearly two years before the current moratorium is due to expire.  

"With only around 380 North Atlantic right whales left in the wild, every injury and every death matters. Congress is delaying implementation of the solutions that could save right whales and legislating them closer to extinction. 

"For years, we’ve worked closely with congressional offices, agency representatives, industry representatives including lobster fishermen, and other NGOs to advance solutions that reduce the risk of deadly entanglements while recognizing the needs of fishing communities. As first responders to large whale strandings, IFAW has witnessed the suffering and mortality caused when whales are entangled in fishing gear. Fishermen affected by existing and potential regulations deserve sustainable solutions that protect their livelihoods. But protecting fishing communities and protecting right whales are not mutually exclusive goals. 

"Delaying action is not a solution. Congress should move forward with the original moratorium timeline, make the science public, strengthen under-resourced federal agencies, and invest boldly in practical solutions that protect whales while sustaining fishing livelihoods. Innovative fishing gear funding is a good start, but much larger investments are needed to speed up development, testing, and widespread adoption.   

"The path forward must bring fishermen, scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and coastal communities together. If we are serious about saving the North Atlantic right whale, fishers must be engaged and supported as part of the solution. We can protect an iconic species from extinction while sustaining the communities whose livelihoods depend on the same ocean.” 

Note to editors 

• As a member of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and as first responders to large whale strandings, IFAW brings decades of direct experience to conservation of the North Atlantic right whale and whale entanglement. IFAW is also the only US entity equipped and qualified to provide at-sea veterinary intervention to critically injured large whales. 
• For additional context, resources, and ways to help, visit www.rightwhales.org. 

Media contact 

Stacey Hedman | shedman@ifaw.org | +1 508 737 2558