SCARBOROUGH, Maine — There is rising concern among scientists and conservationists as the North Atlantic right whale, an imperiled species, experienced a notably sparse birthing season, which could threaten its survival. This endangered species numbers only around 370 individuals and has faced a continual population decline.
The birthing period for these whales occurs between mid-November and mid-April, in the waters off the southeastern United States. To aid in their recovery, at least 50 calves are needed per season, as indicated by federal wildlife authorities.
This season, the results fell short of expectations, with just 11 mother-calf pairs being reported, according to insights from scientists at the New England Aquarium located in Boston.
Conservationists emphasize the critical need to enhance protections for these whales, given that they frequently face threats from entanglement in marine fishing gear and clashes with large vessels.
“The whales are also reproducing less swiftly than in the past,” highlighted a report from the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Stressors like navigation through busy shipping lanes, ocean noise, and disturbances in their food supply are believed to contribute to this decline.
Nonetheless, there were a few positive observations this season. The addition of several first-time mothers provides a glimmer of optimism, noted the aquarium. Currently, the population includes approximately 70 breeding females.
Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist at the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, remarked, “Calf counts have varied from 39 to none in previous years, making predictions challenging. Though the number is low this year, the addition of four new mothers to the reproductive group is hopeful.”
Once exploited for their valuable oil and baleen, these whales can weigh as much as 150,000 pounds (or about 45,360 kilograms) and have been shielded by protective measures for decades. Despite these efforts, their population has been slow to bounce back.
Recently, scientists have observed that these whales are traveling beyond traditional protected regions in search of sustenance, increasing their vulnerability to threats like entanglements and collisions. Their migration spans from southern waters to New England and Canada, in pursuit of small marine organisms that they feed on.