For immediate release: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Media Contact: Sophia Naumovski, Ocean Associate, Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center, snaumovski@environmentamerica.org, 908-304-2253
RELEASE: Film screening raises awareness for endangered right whales
Event gave insights into lives of endangered whales, steps needed to protect them
Rockport, Mass.– Local organizations from across Cape Ann joined Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center to screen the documentary Last of the Right Whales at the Rockport Public Library on Saturday. The event was co-sponsored by several local Cape Ann partners including Ocean Alliance, Seaside Sustainability, Thacher and Straitsmouth Island Association, Annisquam Village Church, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
“Right whales are an iconic New England species, but are sadly now a rarity along our coasts. The more the public knows about these whales, the more likely we are to see them recover and return enmasse to our shores,” noted Sophia Naumovski, oceans associate with Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center. “While seeing environmentalists, churchgoers and whale scientists walk into a library sounds like the set up to a groan-worthy joke, it’s this community-wide awareness that will make a difference for our whales.”
North Atlantic Right whales are one of the most critically endangered large whale species in the world. It is estimated that only 370 of these whales remain. While the species once faced extinction after intensive whaling, today right whales are once again struggling in the face of new challenges, including threats from fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes.
Following the screening, over 40 attendees heard from Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation North America, who highlighted the new, ropeless gear being tested by Massachusetts fishermen and answered questions about right whales’ lives and challenges.
“Both commercial fisheries and critically endangered North Atlantic right whales are inextricably linked to the history, economy, and ecology of New England,” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, WDC NA executive director. “Working collaboratively, we can and must create a thriving future for both because the loss of either right whales or fisheries is not an option.”
The public can take action by signing Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center’s pledge and learn more here.
