Artist: Nancy Crasco
Title: The Right Whale
Attribution: Nancy Crasco
Year: 2020
Materials: Linolem prints on silk organza
Dimensions: 24" x 48"
Image Statement: The North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the most endangered marine species, with 340 remaining of which only 70 are breeding females. Three factors contribute to the decline: climate change, vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear. Climate change drives the decline because the whales have followed their food source into areas which are frequented by commercial vessels. Wildlife organizations are working with fishermen to develop fishing gear to reduce the chances of a whale becoming entangled; petitioning the US government to increase protections from vessel strikes; and ensuring that offshore energy proposals do not impact this endangered species.