Right whale decline stabilizes, but threats persist

The decline of North Atlantic right whales, one of the rarest whale species, appears to be slowing, with the population leveling off at around 356 whales. However, the whales still face existential threats from warming oceans, ship collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear. While a strong birthing year in 2021 provided some hope, the high mortality rate from collisions and entanglement remains unsustainable. Warming oceans have forced the whales to search for food outside protected areas, making them vulnerable to these threats. Conservationists are calling for new rules to protect the whales, while federal authorities are working on proposed vessel speed and fishing regulations.