    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 23, 1998]
    [Pages 606-607]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Protecting the Northern Right Whale
    April 23, 1998

        Today I instructed the United States representatives to the
    International Maritime Organization to seek strong measures to protect
    the northern right whale, one of the world's most endangered marine
    mammals.
        Like many other species of whale, the northern right whale was once
    hunted nearly to extinction. The 300 or so that survive spend much of
    the year in waters off of Cape Cod and off the Georgia and Florida
    coasts. Biologists believe the greatest human threat they face today is
    collisions with large ships. We must address this threat so these
    magnificent creatures can flourish once again.
        Under our proposal, which the IMO will address when it meets in
    July, commercial ships entering the whales' calving and feeding grounds
    will be required to report by radio to the U.S.

    [[Page 607]]

    Coast Guard, which will relay back the latest information on the whales'
    locations and advice on avoiding collisions. We believe this reporting
    system is essential if we are to ensure the survival of these majestic
    creatures.