One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

"The North Atlantic right whale now numbers an estimated 384 animals, up eight whales from the previous year, according to a report by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released Tuesday. The whales have shown a trend of slow population growth over the past four years. It's a welcome development in the wake of a troubling decline in the previous decade."

"The population of the whales, which are vulnerable to collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear, fell about 25% from 2010 to 2020. The whale's trend toward recovery is a testament to the importance of conservation measures, said Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist with the New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. The center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collaborate to calculate the population estimate."

"New management measures in Canada that attempt to keep the whales safe amid their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have been especially important, Hamilton said. "We know that a modest increase every year, if we can sustain it, will lead to population growth," Hamilton said. "It's just whether or not we can sustain it." Scientists have cautioned in recent years that the whale's slow recovery is happening at a time when the giant animals still face threats from accidental deaths,"

Estimated at 384 individuals, the North Atlantic right whale population rose by eight animals from the previous year, continuing four years of slow growth. The population fell about 25% between 2010 and 2020, reflecting past declines. The whales remain vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. New management measures in Canada aimed at protecting whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have contributed to improved safety. A modest annual increase, if sustained, can lead to longer-term population recovery. Continued threats from accidental deaths and low reproductive rates persist. Reproduction declines when whales are injured or underfed.

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