Today, North Atlantic right whales face a sea of danger as they migrate along one of the most industrialized areas of the ocean: the East Coast of Canada and the United States. The biggest threats against their survival are vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change.

Entanglements

Entanglement is one of the greatest threats to North Atlantic right whales. Weighed down by hundreds of pounds of fishing gear, entangled right whales are unable to move freely through the water, feed, or reproduce. Over time, they die a slow death from starvation or injury. As they try to break free, the fishing gear can also cut into their bodies, causing serious injuries and even death. If they do break away, they will likely be left feeling stressed, tired, and weakened. 

Vessel strikes

As they migrate along the busy Atlantic coastline, North Atlantic right whales overlap with shipping lanes. Add their huge size and low agility into the mix and they become vulnerable to vessel strikes. These collisions lead to cuts, broken bones, internal injuries, and even death.

Climate change

Climate change has led to an increase in water temperatures, as well as changing winds and ocean currents. The plants and animals the North Atlantic right whale eats are likely to move and decrease in abundance over the coming years, making it harder for the whales to survive. Because female North Atlantic right whales are travelling farther for food and navigating other threats, they're growing exhausted; this is considered one of the reasons their birth rates have been decreasing (from every 2-3 years to 6-8 years).

Ocean noise

Noise pollution has made it difficult for whales to communicate, navigate and locate food. Human-generated noise can cause them to become disoriented, separated from their group, or even suffer from hearing loss, which can impact their ability to survive and reproduce.

How long do North Atlantic right whales live?

North Atlantic right whales can live up to 70 years.

How big is a North Atlantic right whale?

North Atlantic right whales can grow up to 49 feet in length (15 meters).

How much does a North Atlantic right whale weigh?

A North Atlantic right whale can weigh up to 154,000 pounds (70,000 kilograms).

How fast does the North Atlantic right whale swim?

North Atlantic right whales are known for their slow movement, typically travelling at a leisurely pace of 2.3 miles per hour (3.7 kilometers per hour) and reaching a maximum speed of 5.8 miles per hour (9.3 kilometers per hour).

How did the North Atlantic right whale get its name?

Right whales were named by fisherman, as they were considered the “right whales to hunt.” They swim slowly close to shore and are so blubber-rich that they float when dead, making them easy to catch. 

Why are North Atlantic right whales endangered?

North Atlantic right whales face a large range of threats, including climate change, vessel strikes, entanglement, and ocean noise.

IFAW’s biologists, veterinarians, and policy experts are tackling the crisis from many angles by collaborating with other scientists, local fishermen, consumers, and policy makers in both Canada and the United States. 

To solve a problem, you first must understand it. For right whales, this means investigating why their population has precipitously declined in the last decade. To help accomplish this, IFAW has one of the most experienced teams of biologists and veterinarians to perform detailed necropsies (animal autopsies) on right whales. In 2019, multi-agency research led by IFAW veterinarian Dr. Sarah Sharp revealed the shocking reality for right whales. Between 2003 and 2018, nearly 90% of all right whale deaths that could be definitively determined were caused by entanglement and vessel-induced trauma. What does this mean? Right whales are dying at the hands of humans and only we have the power to change this course. 

Because every individual whale matters, all options must be explored to increase survival of the whales suffering from these threats. IFAW is leading the way by leading methods for large whale medical intervention at sea. This is the only project of its kind in the world that maintains the equipment and experienced personnel needed to give these whales the chance to survive. Combining veterinary expertise, large whale experience, and a custom-made darting system, IFAW can deliver medications such as antibiotics to fight infections caused by extensive injuries, or sedatives to calm entangled whales so they can be more safely and successfully disentangled. 

But long-term solutions are needed...  

Our team is one of the leading organizations to work directly with both fishermen and underwater technology companies to advance on-demand fishing gear. Eliminate vertical buoy rope from the water column and you reduce the threat of entanglement. In 2018, IFAW worked with the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association to test the functionality of on-demand acoustic release technology designed by Desert Star Systems during non-fishing conditions. IFAW then expanded its industry engagement by partnering with the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association for at-sea pilot testing during real-time fishing operations using another on-demand fishing gear system manufactured by Massachusetts-based EdgeTech Underwater Technologies. The key is to adopt sustainable solutions that allow fishermen to continue their livelihoods while also ensuring whales remain safe in the water.  

In Washington DC, we’ve worked with members of Congress to introduce the North Atlantic Right Whale Coexistence Act, which established a new competitive grant program to support critical research and stakeholder collaboration on new initiatives to protect right whales. We also work with the U.S. and Canadian governments to implement and enforce speed restrictions for vessels, as well as advocating for rerouting of high-volume shipping lanes to protect right whales during migration season.  

The actions we take today will determine the future for the North Atlantic right whale. It’s going to take all of us—government officials, fishermen, scientists, campaigners, and consumers like you—to save the North Atlantic right whale.