There are just 500 North Atlantic right whales left, experts say . Now, their biggest threats include getting entangled in fishing gear and struck by vessels. What can we all do to help the number of right whales go up instead of down? WDC and its partners also filed a petition this summer demanding the federal government revise its ship strike speed rule to include new areas where right whales are now feeding and socializing. Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34 from Halifax to Digby are the most valuable in Canada. Unfortunately when we are talking about removing right whales, it is because we know they died or were last seen in such poor physical condition that their chance of survival was low. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans. Adult North Atlantic right whales average 13–16 m (43–52 ft) in length and weigh approximately 40,000 to 70,000 kg (44 to 77 short tons), they are slightly smaller on average than the North Pacific species. Since 2017, we know that at least 31 right whales died and another 11 were seriously injured and had a very low chance of survival. That’s a loss of 46 whales since the previous January. Why is the January 2019 estimate just being released at the end of 2020? As to why the 2019 estimates are only coming out now --- there are a lot of pictures to go through and it takes a while. They also risk infecting the whale so are used very rarely. They aren't  being found in repeated surveys, but we didn't know for sure that they had died. Home / Environment. Michelle: It makes total sense that if we aren’t seeing all of the whales who are alive, we also aren’t seeing all of those who died! Since a large number of right whale deaths reduced the already dwindling population in 2017, Canada's federal government has taken measures to prevent ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements. And conservation groups say that since Jan. 2019, scientists have documented 11 more right whale fatalities. Outside Maine, it would have been different. It had been a galling month for the many people who care about North Atlantic right whales. Each whale has a unique pattern so when a photograph is taken, researchers know exactly who that whale is. Currently, there is lack of sufficient data with regards to the number of blue whales off the eastern North Atlantic. The estimate is not significantly lower so we are hoping the 366 number is a fairly accurate estimate. You may also know that some students moved away and are no longer at the school so you can remove them from your count. There are just 356 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, according to recent estimates. If they are in the picture most years, then you can assume they are still attending that school. When I first read the differences in the numbers, I immediately opened the calculator on my phone to see that it was a difference of 46 whales!! Regina: Yes it could be lower and the data from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium actually does show a lower estimate. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal scientists are adjusting their estimate of how many endangered North Atlantic right whales are left on the planet down to 366 as of Jan. 2019. Regina: Going back to the school analogy, you need to review the picture every year to see if things changed so your results will vary every year. The whales are being killed by ship strikes and entanglements with fishing gear. This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public. A student might miss picture day one year but is unlikely to miss it every year. Regina is a pro when it comes to right whales and is also a pro at answering all of my questions! By Jayson MacLean. We are also part of the Ropeless Consortium where scientists, fishermen, and conservation groups are working together to test new fishing gear that would reduce the amount of rope in the water, but still allow fishing in commercially valuable habitats. By Fred Bever • Oct 26, 2020 Right Whale Research / Center for Coastal Studies/via Associated Press Federal scientists are adjusting their estimate of how many endangered North Atlantic right whales are left on the planet down to 366 as of Jan. 2019. Right whales help us fight climate change, but their food is also impacted by changing water temperatures. Regina has been working in right whale conservation for 30 years and also acts as the right whale policy lead for WDC. Michelle: Just like home improvement projects, it always takes longer than you think! WDC is an appointed member to the US Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team through which we have forwarded proposals to the National Marine Fisheries Service to reduce the amount of vertical line in the water and reduce entanglement risk. Regina: Great question. Only 10 North Atlantic right whale calves are known to exist, 3 were spotted with their mothers in Cape Cod Bay this week Updated Apr 17, 2020; Posted Apr 17, 2020 5 Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the North Atlantic right whales, found today mostly off the east coast of North America. How many right whales are left? Regina: At least that many have died. Although it may seem an ocean away, the changing of your daily habits can help these whales. Donate. of Natural Resources/NOAA Permit 15488, Saving the endangered North Atlantic right whale, Meet Delilah – Our Inflatable North Atlantic Right Whale, Sharing the Seas – Safe Boating for Sailors, US Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team, Right whales help us fight climate change. North Atlantic Right Whales are dying out, and at a faster rate than we thought. Plus powering down and going outside to enjoy nature is always a healthy choice right whales and for us! Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with only about 400 left in the world. Does that mean that 46 whales died between January 2018 and January 2019? First of all, right whales are not tagged for tracking. Published July 9, 2020 Updated July 14, 2020 WASHINGTON — When boaters spotted a dead North Atlantic right whale off Elberon, N.J., on June 25, … There are only around 400 North Atlantic right whales left on earth, and fewer than 100 breeding females. 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