Scientists say North Atlantic right whale population slowly increasing

"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 on Tuesday. The whales have shown a trend of slow population growth over the past four years and have gained more than 7% of their 2020 population, the consortium said."

"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. Jem Cresswell's striking whale images in pictures 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 (Noaa) 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."

The North Atlantic right whale population is estimated at 384 animals, an increase of eight from the previous year. The whales have shown slow population growth over the past four years, gaining more than 7% compared with 2020 after a roughly 25% decline from 2010 to 2020. The whales remain vulnerable to collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear. New management measures in Canada, especially in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and broader conservation efforts have been important. Collaboration between the New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life and NOAA informs the population estimate. Sustained modest annual increases are needed for long-term recovery.

Read at www.theguardian.com