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We are excited to share that NOAA Fisheries announced a $9.9 million partnership with MITRE Corporation today to support North Atlantic right whale recovery efforts using Inflation Reduction Act funds. MITRE is a not-for-profit company that bridges the gap between government and industry, tackling complex challenges with no commercial interest. MITRE’s Center for Enterprise Modernization is the lead on this project.
Endangered North Atlantic right whales are one of the most imperiled species on the planet and have experienced a rapid decline over the past decade. The latest preliminary estimate suggests there are approximately 360 remaining, with only about 70 breeding females. NOAA Fisheries and our partners are dedicated to conserving and rebuilding this whale population.
Our partnership with MITRE will focus on the development of technologies and engineering approaches related to whale detection, vessel strike avoidance, and ropeless/on-demand fishing gear. This partnership will support our North Atlantic Right Whale Road to Recovery, which describes our efforts to address threats to the species and monitor recovery progress.
Any advancements in technological solutions identified through this partnership will be shared broadly, allowing other species vulnerable to these threats―such as other large whales―to benefit as well.
We will keep you updated as we reach our various milestones in support of right whale conservation. Of note, we recently announced new dates for a right whale vessel strike risk reduction technology workshop now scheduled for March 5-7, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia. Working collaboratively with mariners, industry, and technology and engineering firms―including MITRE―is essential to ensuring the conservation of right whales in these busy waters. More information is available on our website.
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