This image of a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale covered in scars from boat collision injuries is a stark reminder of how much harm boats can cause. This whale is a lucky one to have even survived. Since 2020, at least 16 North Atlantic right whales have been killed or injured by blows from boats and ships. With a population hovering around only 370, each individual is critical to the species' survival. Yet, NOAAFisheries has announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule expanding protections for North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. Research has shown that a vessel traveling at 10 knots or less is much less likely to harm a whale in a collision. These critically endangered whales deserve better. We're urgently fighting to save them. 📷: NOAA #rightwhale #whales #cetaceans #criticallyendangered #marinemammal #wildlifeconservation #oceanconservation