The North Atlantic right whale population has shown a slight increase, growing by about 4% in the past few years. Although this news brings hope to conservationists, the critically endangered species remains at risk of extinction, prompting calls for increased protection measures from the federal government, shipping, and fishing industries.
This rare species of whale, which can weigh up to 150,000 pounds and resides off the East Coast, saw its population decline drastically in the 2010s due to threats such as global warming, ship collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear. By the early 2020s, the number of North Atlantic right whales had dropped to fewer than 360 individuals.
Researchers from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported that the population had grown to an estimated 372 in 2023, marking a positive development after a 25% decline from 2010 to 2020. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure the species’ recovery, according to Heather Pettis, a research scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center and chair of the consortium.
Despite recent improvements in calf births, the number of new calves remains below levels seen in the 2000s, with ongoing threats such as vessel strikes and entanglement posing significant risks to the population. The consortium highlighted that there have been nine recorded deaths this year, including both whales and calves, which could result in a decrease in population for 2024.
Conservation groups are urging the government to take swift action to implement new regulations to protect the whales, particularly in terms of ship speed and fishing gear entanglement. Environmental organisations have already taken legal action to enforce such rules, with ongoing challenges from fishing groups in response to proposed regulations.
The North Atlantic right whales embark on a perilous migration each year from calving grounds in Florida and Georgia to feeding grounds in New England and Canada. Climate change has further exacerbated the challenges they face, as warming ocean waters force them to venture beyond protected zones in search of food.
These whales were almost hunted to extinction by whalers in the 1890s and have been under federal protection for decades. Despite conservation efforts, their population has not fully recovered, underlining the continued threat of extinction faced by this majestic species.