PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 24, 2026
To celebrate the United States’ first 250 years, a time capsule was buried in Philadelphia on July 4, to be opened in another 250 years. Maine contributed seven items, a vertebra from a North Atlantic right whale among them. Maine State Museum Director Bernard Fishman proposed including the vertebra. He wanted the capsule to ask the future: “Did we — did you — save the right whales?” Only about 380 right whales are left, and only 70 are reproductive females. Fishing gear and ship strikes are the leading causes of death. Fortunately, technologies exist the fishing industry could use to ensure right whales have a future. However, since 2022, a pause has blocked new rules to reduce entanglements. A bill in the Senate co-sponsored by Rep. Jared Golden would extend the pause on new federal right whale protections to 2035. Call or write to Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and urge them to oppose Golden’s bill. ~ Cindy Lowry