1st North Atlantic right whale death linked to Maine lobster gear in 20 years found on Martha's Vineyard.

A North Atlantic right whale, designated Whale 5120, was found dead on Martha's Vineyard in January, having succumbed to chronic entanglement with fishing gear from Maine. This marks the first death linked to Maine lobster gear in two decades. The Maine Lobstermen's Association disputes the findings, citing the rarity of such entanglements and emphasizing their efforts to mitigate risks to the endangered species. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in whale conservation.