The remains of an adult North Atlantic right whale were found approximately 140 kilometers off the southwestern shore of Nova Scotia. This is a tragic reminder of the challenges facing these majestic creatures, who are critically endangered due to factors such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
So far, only photos of the right whale’s tail and some of its lower body were documented by a Transport Canada aerial surveillance team. Experts identified the animal as a North Atlantic right whale, however, the cause of death has not been determined as the carcass has not been recovered.
According to the Center For Biological Diversity, with a declining population and only approximately 70 breeding females remaining, North Atlantic right whales will almost certainly go extinct without key conservation measures. Current regulations are not sufficient to protect them, and changes proposed by NOAA Fisheries are unlikely to go into effect before the end of this year’s calving season.
“North Atlantic right whale carcasses are adding up and possible extinction is getting closer. It’s deeply concerning to see yet another dead critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, this time off the shores of Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, due to its deteriorated state, scientists may not be able to conclusively determine the cause of death or the identity of the whale. But what is already proven is that far too many North Atlantic right whales are dying because of boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear,” said Gib Brogan, campaign director for Oceana in the U.S.
“The last population estimate released in 2023 said that there are around 356 North Atlantic right whales left on Earth, and we’ve watched many whales wash up on our shores since then. Each death is a devastating blow to their recovery. The U.S. and Canadian governments must act now to save North Atlantic right whales from extinction, while they still have the chance. Continued delays result in more whale deaths like this one and the potential extinction of an entire species. President Biden can and must approve the proposed updates to the U.S. vessel speed rules immediately, and stronger protections against entanglements must be enacted,” continued Brogan.
“The gruesome discovery of this latest North Atlantic right whale is another devastating loss to the species. This winter has been especially hard on the population with at least five calves and one juvenile whale dead or presumed dead, and the first right whale sighted in Canadian waters having a severe entanglement,” said Kim Elmslie, campaign director for Oceana Canada.
“To save this population from extinction, it is imperative that the government implement permanent vessel slowdowns along the entire migration route of right whales,” continued Elmslie. “Additionally, transitioning swiftly to ropeless and on-demand fishing gear is crucial to reduce the risk of entanglements, while also preserving access to U.S. markets for Canadian fisheries. This is not the time to weaken any of the existing measures that are in place. With only 356 North Atlantic whales remaining, the government must prioritize their protection before this species is lost forever.”
Please tell your federal officials to take immediate action to protect North Atlantic right whales from extinction by signing Oceana’s petition, HERE!
Please report any sightings of right whales that are injured or entangled to NOAA at 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). Please take photos or videos from the legally required 500-yard distance and note the GPS coordinates to share with biologists.
We must continue to work together to protect and conserve right whales for future generations to come.
