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Decline in Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales Rates Slowing Despite Ongoing Threats from Ship Collisions, Entanglement, and Climate Change

Despite improvements in conservation efforts resulting in more stable population numbers, research reveals only 20% of vessels adhere to mandatory speed limits in whale feeding locations; ongoing infractions pose significant dangers, leading to increased injuries and hampering reproduction.

Overview

  • The decline in population numbers of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales seems to be stabilizing, however, they still face major threats from ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and the impacts of climate change.
  • Studies have shown that less than 20% of vessels abide by speed limit rules in right whale habitats, contributing to a high rate of ship collisions. Fines for exceeding the speed limits are viewed as insignificant compared to the penalties for late shipments, resulting in widespread non-compliance.
  • A high birthing year in 2021 boosted the whale population, but ongoing issues such as vessel strikes and entanglements lead to whale deaths and injuries, inhibiting population recovery by affecting the whales' ability to reproduce.
  • Climate change contributes to the threats faced by the whales, as warming oceans change the distribution of their food sources, causing whales to venture outside the protected areas designated for their feeding grounds, where they are more vulnerable to ship collisions and fishing gear entanglement.
  • Efforts are being made to place a stronger emphasis on conservation policies, with expectations of final action on a proposed vessel speed rule this year, along with proposed new fishing laws which aim to protect the species from further decline.