North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with fewer than 360 individuals remaining. Found mainly along the eastern coast of North America, it faces critical threats from ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate-driven changes in food availability. Conservation efforts focus on reducing human-caused mortality, monitoring populations, and protecting critical habitats.

Key Projects Protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale

1. NOAA Fisheries – North Atlantic Right Whale Recovery Plan

  • The central U.S. government framework for right whale conservation, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
  • Implements the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to protect the species.
  • Key actions include:
    • Vessel speed restrictions in designated Seasonal Management Areas to reduce ship strikes.
    • Fishing gear modifications and seasonal closures to prevent entanglement.
    • Aerial and acoustic monitoring to track whale movements.
    • Public reporting systems for whale sightings and entanglements.
  • Collaborates with U.S. Coast Guard, fisheries councils, and state agencies.

2. Canadian North Atlantic Right Whale Action Plan – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

  • Canada’s national strategy to mitigate threats in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Bay of Fundy, where right whales feed and migrate.
  • Measures include:
    • Dynamic fishery closures when whales are detected.
    • Mandatory vessel speed limits in high-density areas.
    • Development of whale-safe fishing gear(ropeless or weak-link systems).
    • Enhanced surveillance using aircraft, drones, and hydrophones.
  • Works closely with Transport Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and industry partners.

3. New England Aquarium – Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life

  • Conducts one of the longest-running research programs on North Atlantic right whales since the 1980s.
  • Maintains the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, a database of over 750,000 photographs documenting individual whales.
  • Research focuses on:
    • Population dynamics and health assessments.
    • Entanglement impacts and calf survival rates.
    • Habitat use and migration patterns.
  • Provides scientific data used by NOAA and DFO to inform management decisions.

4. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) – Passive Acoustic Monitoring Program

  • Develops and deploys underwater listening devices to detect whale calls in real time.
  • Supports Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) by alerting authorities when whales are present, triggering temporary vessel restrictions.
  • Researches noise pollution impacts and communication behavior.
  • Partners with NOAA, U.S. Navy, and Canadian agencies to expand monitoring networks.

5. Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) – Marine Animal Entanglement Response Program

  • Based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, CCS leads entanglement rescue operations for right whales and other marine mammals.
  • Provides emergency disentanglement teamstrained to safely remove fishing gear.
  • Collects data on gear types and entanglement injuries to improve prevention strategies.
  • Works closely with NOAA, fishermen, and state wildlife agencies.

6. Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Calving Ground Monitoring

  • Focuses on the southeastern U.S. coast, the only known calving area for the species.
  • Conducts aerial surveys from Florida to North Carolina to track mothers and calves.
  • Monitors birth rates, calf survival, and migration timing.
  • Provides real-time data to NOAA for implementing temporary vessel speed zonesduring calving season.

7. International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – Whale Alert and Ropeless Fishing Initiatives

  • Operates the Whale Alert app, which provides real-time whale sighting data to mariners to help avoid collisions.
  • Advocates for and pilots ropeless fishing gear technologies to eliminate entanglement risks.
  • Conducts public outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about right whale conservation.
  • Collaborates with fishing communities, government agencies, and technology developers.

Supporting Organizations

  • NOAA Fisheries (U.S.)
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
  • New England Aquarium – Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life
  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
  • Center for Coastal Studies (CCS)
  • Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
  • Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF)

The Broader Mission
Conservation of the North Atlantic right whale is driven by a coordinated network of government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs across the U.S. and Canada. Projects such as NOAA’s Recovery Plan, DFO’s Action Plan, and New England Aquarium’s research program combine science-based management, technological innovation, and community collaboration. These efforts aim to reduce human-caused deaths and ensure the survival of one of the ocean’s most imperiled species.