Feds announce funding push for ropeless fishing gear that spares rare whales

Federal authorities say new efforts to convert some types of commercial fishing to ropeless gear that is safer for rare whales will be supported by millions of dollars in funding. Federal fishing managers are promoting the use of ropeless gear in the lobster and crab fishing industries because of the plight of North Atlantic right whales. The whales number less than 360, and they face existential threats from entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with large ships. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on Tuesday that the federal government is committing nearly $10 million to saving right whales. Nearly $7 million of that will support the development of ropeless gear.