They are focusing on fishing restrictions in key habitats, fishing gear that would be less likely to entangle whales and detection of entangled whales. Unfortunately, funding for right whale protection has been insufficient. As a result, a National Whale Conservation Fund Act was established in 1998. Now, right whale conservation programs can make money from logos and accept donations from the public. Since the mid-1960's, the International Whaling Commission has classified bowhead whales as protected, and in the 1970's bowhead whales were added to the Endangered Species List.
Bowhead whales live exclusively in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters.
Ten coastal villages in Alaska hunt bowhead whales as a part of their culture, using the whale meat for food. A total of 67 animals may be struck each year and fifteen unused strikes may be carried over from one year to another. They estimate that hunters could kill up to 108 animals per year before they would begin to deplete stocks. Even so, hunters have recovered six harpoon points from individual bowhead whales that have not been used for over 100 years. This may mean that bowheads can live 100 years or more, or it can mean that some hunters have been using old spear heads.