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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Inside the State House's Great Hall of Flags Monday was an unusual sight—a 42-foot-long inflatable whale.
It's name is Calvin, and it was there to raise awareness of the plight of the North Atlantic right whale.
State Rep. Dylan Fernandes and State Sen. Julian Cyr, both of whom represent districts on the Cape and Islands, held a rally on Beacon Hill to highlight efforts to save those whales. They were joined by the New England Aquarium, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and other groups.
They've signed a resolution of support at the state level for a federal bill filed by North Shore Congressman Seth Moulton that calls for federal funding to study ways to save the right whale.
Moulton's bill, the Scientific Assistance for Very Endangered (SAVE) Right Whales Act, is co-sponsored by Rep. John Rutherford of Florida. It includes a $2.5 million investment for research to "help scientists, commercial fishermen and conservation groups better protect the critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale."
"Here at the State House, our resolution signed by over 30 reps and senators is directing Congress to pass the SAVE Right Whales Act, to get the resources that we need to protect and preserve this right whale for future generations," Rep. Fernandes said.
It's estimated that there are only around 400 right whales in existence, and the clock is ticking.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) reports