North Atlantic right whale seeing baby boom
The North Atlantic right whale, one of the rarest whale species, is having more calves than in recent seasons. Experts warn however that even more young would be needed to keep the animal from the brink of extinction.
Its population numbers reached an estimated 384 animals, but has been slowly increasing following years of decline. The North Atlantic right whale has seen an increase of its population by over 7%, the scientists who study the species report.
The whales give birth off the southeastern USA every winter, before migrating north to feed. 15 North Atlantic right whale calves have been identified by researchers this winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The number is higher than two of the three previous winters, but NOAA estimates that “approximately 50 or more calves per year for many years” would be needed for the species to recover. They can be vulnerable to collisions with large ships or being caught in commercial fishing equipment.
The latest numbers look optimistic but without better protection against its threats, including stronger laws, it remains in trouble, Gib Brogan, senior campaign director with environmental group Oceana said. There is still time left in the winter for more calves, Brogan said, but 50 would not be a realistic amount due to a lack of reproductive females among the population.
“We’re not going to be able to calve ourselves to recovery,” Brogan said. “We also need to be doing more to tackle the two primary causes of right whale deaths, being entanglement in fishing gear and being hit by boats.”
NOAA data reported that only 11 North Atlantic right whale calves were born last winter, having only reached 20 twice since 2020. The 2018 season saw no calves born, with the whales being less likely to reproduce if injured or malnourished, according to researchers.
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