North Atlantic right whale population grew in 2023, but still vulnerable to humans

A group of international marine scientists say human behaviour still poses a significant threat to the critically endangered species.

The estimated population of North Atlantic right whales increased in 2023, but marine scientists say human behaviour still poses a significant threat to the critically endangered species.

The new data released Tuesday by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium estimates the population of right whales in 2023 was 372, up from the prior year’s estimate of 356. This year’s figures includes 12 calves born in 2023.

But the new data should not be taken as a turning point for the endangered species, Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston, said in a recent interview. Although the rise in whale numbers is good news, there’s been a “sobering” increase in deaths and injuries caused by marine vessels and equipment in 2024.

“Both the whales and humans are using the ocean, and so there will be a conflict,” Hamilton said.

So far this year, scientists have detected five deaths of right whales, one of whom was killed after being entangled in rope for more than one year. Three other whales died after they were struck by vessels. The body of the fifth whale could not be retrieved, leaving scientists without information on how it died.

Hamilton said entanglement with fishing gear is a leading cause of death for right whales, adding that 85 per cent of the population will become entangled at some point in their lives. Entanglements are not always lethal, and whales can usually break free from ropes or drag them while they swim, he said.

Nonetheless, he said, rope entanglements for right whales lead to “gruesome and very painful” deaths.

“In some cases it’s actually a sort of blood poisoning or septicemia that kills them. Either that or they get thinner and thinner because they’re not able to feed, maybe not at all or not as efficiently,” Hamilton said.