North Atlantic right whale experts on both sides of the border are expressing cautious optimism following an increase in the number of new calves born this year. The calving season from November to April off the southeastern U.S. saw the birth of twenty-three calves, marking the highest count since 2009.
Amy Warren, a scientific program officer at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life within the New England Aquarium, stated that the twenty-three calves this year bring hope, although their survival to adulthood is crucial for population growth. The North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with just 380 individuals remaining globally as of the latest official estimate in 2024.
Over the past two to three decades, the annual birth rate of new calves has declined, with figures averaging around 10 to 15 in recent years. In 2018, no known calves were born, highlighting the significance of this year’s increase. Factors influencing the calving rate include the health of the mothers, especially their food intake and availability.
North Atlantic right whales feed on specific plankton, with climate change pushing their food sources further north, away from their calving grounds off Florida and Georgia. This shift results in decreased nourishment for the whales during crucial phases like calving and nursing.
Various human-induced stressors such as ocean noise, vessel strikes, and entanglements in fishing gear also impact the whales’ health. Conservation efforts in Canadian and U.S. waters have been implemented to mitigate these threats, including fishery closures and speed restrictions for marine vessels.
The recent rise in calf numbers is attributed to factors like improved maternal health and potential impacts of conservation measures. Moreover, some mother whales displayed shorter intervals between giving birth, indicating positive trends for population growth.
Despite the positive development of twenty-three new calves, experts emphasize the need for sustained efforts to protect the North Atlantic right whale population, which has significantly declined over the years. The whales have been moving northward, with sightings in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the first time this year, offering hope for their future presence in Canadian waters.