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North Atlantic Right Whale may be reproducing too slowly to avoid extinction
- Maris Balsom
- May 27
- 1 min read
The very low birth numbers of the North Atlantic right whale have raised alarms with scientists and conservationists, who fear the extinction of this animal.
Their numbers are only about 370 and they have declined in population in recent years. These whales give birth to their calves off the southeastern United States between mid November and mid April, and federal authorities have stated they need to have at least 50 calves per season to begin recovering.
This calving season only produced 11 mother-calf pairs according to scientist with the New England Aquarium in Boston, which emphasizes the need to protect these aquatic giants.
In addition to reproducing much slower, they are also vulnerable to entanglement in marine fishing gear and collisions with large ships.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare believes the low birth numbers are likely due to stress caused by entanglements, busy maritime traffic they must try to navigate around, the increase in ocean noise, and the changed distribution of their food sources.
It is not all doom and gloom though. Several females gave birth for the first time, and that provides hope for the future. This whale species has approximately 70 reproducing females left. Philip Hamilton, senior scientist in the aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, says he is encouraged by four new mothers being added to the reproductive pool this year.
written by Patrick Whittle - May 20, 2025
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