Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (2008-present)

CONCUR is facilitating the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). CONCUR’s work focuses on (1) conducting initial stakeholder assessments, (2) convening both in-person and teleconference meetings among fishermen, conservationists, academics, researchers and various government agencies, and (3) summarizing emerging agreement. CONCUR’s work with NMFS on this effort strives to identify consensus-supported approaches that can reduce commercial fisheries bycatch of Right whales, humpback whales and other whale species to sustainable levels. In 2009, CONCUR convened two regional meetings: a Northeast regional meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, and a mid Atlantic/Southeast meeting in Philadelphia. The aim of these meetings was to brainstorm options for reduction of bycatch and begin deliberations related to monitoring. The Team is tasked with developing consensus management options by 2012.

The Atlantic Large Whale Team is one of three currently being facilitated for NMFS by CONCUR. The other two are the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team and the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team.