Restoration Potential: No signs of recovery despite over 60 years of protection.

Management Requirements: In 1996, NMFS proposed rules that would prohibit vessels from approaching a right whale closer than 460 m (Federal Register, 7 August 1996). To avoid jeopardy to right whales, NMFS (Federal Register, 3 November 1997) proposed closing the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Coastal segments of the Atlantic pelagic drift gillnet fishery for swordfish, tuna, and shark through 31 July 1998.

Biological Research Needs: Determine reasons for lack of recovery.