This month, three North Atlantic right whales were spotted entangled in fishing gear off the U.S. coast, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
The first two whales, a 13-year-old female and a three-year-old male, were seen on December 9 near Nantucket, Massachusetts. A third juvenile male was spotted on December 16 off North Carolina. These sightings raise alarms as fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales remain in existence.
Amy Knowlton, a senior scientist with the New England Aquarium, noted that lobster and crab fishing gear poses the greatest threat to these whales. Many whales become entangled while feeding on plankton, often leading to severe injuries or death.
The juvenile male spotted near Nantucket has a thick fishing line across its head and back and is not expected to survive. The female, while injured, is expected to recover. The North Carolina whale, however, is also at risk due to multiple lines wrapped around its head and mouth.
Efforts to disentangle these whales are complicated by safety concerns and challenging conditions. Knowlton estimates that only about 25% of entangled whales are helped, with half of those attempts successful.
Despite ongoing measures to reduce entanglement risks in both Canada and the U.S., the problem persists. Knowlton urges the public to advocate for the protection of North Atlantic right whales, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are crucial for the survival of this species.