Right Whale Recovery Network

The Right Whale Recovery Network (RWRN) is a multi-interest, multi-regional group formed to support progress toward the recovery goal and objectives for the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) in Canada.

Who we are

The RWRN is led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Members of the RWRN represent:

  • government departments in Canada and the United States
  • Indigenous peoples
  • industry
  • academia
  • non-governmental organizations

What we do

The RWRN:

  • shares information on NARW
  • supports implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) recovery documents, with a focus on the NARW action plan
  • fosters collaboration
  • supports tracking progress toward recovery of the species

Terms of reference

The RWRN operates under established Terms of Reference, which can be provided upon request.

Meeting summaries 

  • December 2024

    The RWRN met on December 4 and 5, 2024, online and at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) in Dartmouth. The meeting was attended by 28 of 34 member organizations. On December 5, a blessing and welcome were provided by an Elder from Elsipogtog First Nation. During the meeting, we provided an overview of the RWRN Terms of Reference, SARA, and NARW recovery planning documents, with a focus on the NARW action plan.

    Several member organizations provided updates on recovery activities related to:

    • Research
    • Education and outreach
    • Monitoring, surveillance, and compliance
    • Incident response
    • Threat management (ocean noise, fisheries, and vessel traffic)

    Members participated in discussions to identify progress made toward recovery measures and areas for potential advancement.

  • November 2025

    The RWRN met on November 19 and 20, 2025, online and at BIO. The meeting was attended by 31 of 36 member organizations. During the meeting, we provided:

    •  Species at Risk Program updates
    • An overview of recovery measures in the NARW action plan addressing the threats of pollution, contaminants, and ocean noise
    • An overview of Canada’s legislative framework for managing those threats

    Member organizations provided roundtable updates on recovery activities related to:

    •  Research
    •  Stewardship activities
    • Incident response
    • Threat management

    Several member organizations were invited to provide presentations on their work related to addressing the threats of pollution, contaminants, and ocean noise including:

    • DFO’s Marine Environmental Quality Program and Science Sector
    • Transport Canada
    • Green Marine
    • Marine Animal Response Society
    • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Members participated in targeted discussions on advancing recovery measures related to those threats and identified gaps, challenges, and/or opportunities.

    On November 20, an Elder from Elsipogtog First Nation co-developed and led a sharing circle. The intention was to enable more inclusive information sharing from participants through a diversified approach. The sharing circle, principled from Indigenous teachings, provided a space to hear and include voices and perspectives from distinct knowledge systems in NARW recovery work.

Contact

Species at Risk Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region

Email: DFO.MARSARA-LEPMAR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Phone: 1-866-891-0771

Additional information

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