NEW BEDFORD (CBS) – Some leading experts gathered in New Bedford Sunday to publicize the fight to save the North Atlantic Right Whale.

Specifically, the need to extend a federal regulation that could mean the difference between growth and extinction.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Mark Katic reports

The Federal Right Whale Speed Reduction Rule expires in one year.

Conservation groups joined forces in New Bedford to discuss how that rule has made a difference in saving North Atlantic Right Whales.

There are only about 500 North Atlantic Right Whales and females give birth only about once every six years.