The North Atlantic right whale, a species long under threat, has experienced a modest increase in its population in 2024, according to a recent estimate by the New England Aquarium. The latest count places the population at 384, up from the revised 2023 estimate of 376.
The New England Aquarium also noted a significant decrease in entanglements and ship strikes, which are the primary causes of injury and mortality for right whales, in the current year. This positive news comes after nearly a decade of population decline, as highlighted by Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life in Boston.
Despite the increase, Hamilton emphasized that the species is not yet fully recovered. He explained that while the whales have shown some adaptation to changes in their habitat, particularly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the situation remains precarious. Hamilton warned that sudden shifts, such as the whales moving into high-risk areas like shipping lanes, could result in a rapid decline in population, similar to the events witnessed in 2017 and 2019.
The recent years of high mortality rates prompted government interventions such as speed restrictions for ships and fishing area closures when whales are present. Looking ahead, Hamilton expressed cautious optimism for another modest population increase in the coming year, noting that the reproductive pool is slowly expanding with the sighting of new mother-calf pairs.
In terms of 2025 data, the New England Aquarium reported fewer incidents of entanglements and vessel strikes compared to the previous year. While the full population estimate for 2025 is still being processed, early statistics show a positive trend with only one new entanglement injury and one vessel strike recorded so far.
Hamilton also mentioned ongoing efforts to free entangled whales and the challenges in monitoring mortality rates accurately. Despite the incomplete picture, he acknowledged the progress made and the need for continued conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of the North Atlantic right whale population.
