Home / Environment / Hope for Whales: Record Births in Canadian Waters
Hope for Whales: Record Births in Canadian Waters
27 May
Summary
- North Atlantic right whales returned to Canadian waters after 23 calves were born.
- The species faces threats of entanglement in fishing gear and vessel collisions.
- Government funding has been increased to protect whales and their habitats.
North Atlantic right whales have returned to Canadian waters, marking a significant moment after a successful calving season produced 23 new calves. This year's births represent the highest number recorded since 2009, signaling a potential increase in the species' resilience. However, conservationists caution that consistent annual birth rates of 50 calves are needed for true population recovery.
The whales' presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence prompts necessary fishery closures to mitigate two critical threats: entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels. The recent death of a whale named Division, entangled in inactive Canadian snow crab fishing gear from 2020, underscores the ongoing dangers and the need for preventative measures.
In response to the species' endangered status, the Government of Canada has allocated over $258 million through to 2026 for whale protection initiatives. Since 2017, the species has been under an unusual mortality event, with 40% of the population affected. Currently, only 384 right whales exist, including just 70 reproductive females, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts.
