11 New Right Whale Calves Identified

NOAA researchers have identified 11 live calves this calving season. Follow NOAA Fisheries on Twitter for updates.

North Atlantic right whales are dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes. Since 2017, the whales have been experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event, which has resulted in more than 20 percent of the population being sick, injured, or killed. The primary causes of the Unusual Mortality Event are entanglements in fishing gear and collisions with boats and ships. Researchers estimate there are fewer than 70 reproductively active females remaining. The remaining females are producing fewer calves each year, which impacts the ability of the species to recover.

It’s calving season for endangered N. Atlantic right whales, and we are excited to have documented 11 new calves so far. Boaters from ME to FL can stay safe and help save these whales by slowing down to 10 knots: https://t.co/NcGw0Qp940#WhaleWednesday pic.twitter.com/SkSwfgg65D

— NOAA Fisheries (@NOAAFisheries) January 11, 2023