Biologists tracking North Atlantic right whales, an endangered marine mammal, have had a roller coaster year in 2024. While the population estimate has increased slightly to 372, there have been several deaths and entanglements in fishing gear. The population had been declining for nearly a decade before this slight increase.
The good news of the population bump is met with caution, as the whales are still facing threats such as vessel strikes and gear entanglements. The pregnancies of the whales are a crucial factor in their recovery, as they need around 40 new calves a year to rebound.
Over the summer, right whales were spotted in unexpected places, raising concerns about their safety near shipping lanes and in new habitats. Whale advocacy groups are cautious about the population increase, emphasizing the need to continue efforts to reduce threats to the whales and adapt to their changing habitats due to climate change.
NOAA has proposed modifying vessel speed rules to protect right whales, but the final rule is pending amid concerns about its impact on boating and fishing industries. The consortium is hopeful that these measures will make a difference in protecting the whales in their migration routes and calving grounds.
Overall, while the slight population increase is a positive sign, it is important to maintain efforts to protect the right whales and ensure their survival in the face of ongoing threats.
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