What is the current population of the North Atlantic right whale?

The current population of the North Atlantic right whale is estimated to be 384 animals, up 8% from the previous year.

How have conservation efforts in Canada helped the North Atlantic right whale population?

New management measures in Canada that attempt to keep the whales safe amid their increased presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have been especially important in contributing to the whale's population growth.

Home / Environment / Endangered Whales See Promising Population Growth Despite Ongoing Threats

Endangered Whales See Promising Population Growth Despite Ongoing Threats

Q: What threats do the North Atlantic right whales still face?

The North Atlantic right whales remain vulnerable to accidental deaths caused by collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear, which have hindered the species' recovery.

22 Oct, 2025

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Summary

North Atlantic right whale population up 8% since 2020
Conservation measures in Canada credited for whale's recovery
Whale still faces threats from ship collisions and fishing gear entanglement

As of October 2025, the population of the North Atlantic right whale, one of the rarest whale species on the planet, has continued to show signs of recovery. According to a recent report, the whale's numbers have increased by an estimated 8% since 2020, reaching a total of 384 animals.

This positive trend marks a significant turnaround from the previous decade, when the whale's population declined by around 25% between 2010 and 2020. Experts attribute this recent growth to the implementation of new management measures, particularly in Canada, which have helped protect the whales as their presence has increased in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

However, the whales are not yet out of the woods. They remain vulnerable to accidental deaths caused by collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear. Scientists have cautioned that the whales' slow recovery is still fragile, and stronger conservation efforts are needed to ensure their long-term survival.