The NOAA Fisheries “North Atlantic Right Whale Five-Year Review” and its list of recommended action has been released.
The review recommends that North Atlantic right whales continue to be listed as endangered. The review also confirms the animals are experiencing a low rate of reproduction, longer calving intervals, a declining population, and continued mortality from vessel and fishing gear interactions.
Many of the recommendations listed in the 5-Year Review report are already in place or underway, such as designating a dedicated Right Whale Recovery Coordinator and a Recovery Team in the Greater Atlantic Region.
Fifteen North Atlantic right whales have died since June – 12 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and three off the U.S. – or about 3 percent of the total population.
NOAA Fisheries estimates that there are only 458 North Atlantic right whales in the world.