10/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2024 07:31
(Washington D.C. - October 22, 2024)-Today, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released its official population estimate for this critically endangered species. The population estimate for 2023 is 372 (+11/-12), including 12 calves from 2023. While, at first glance, this indicates an a leveling off of the steep decline of prior years, it's important to note that this data includes calves for the first time.
This stabilization in numbers should not be mistaken for a turning point. The sharp decline of this critically endangered species may be levelling, but experts urge now more than ever for serious collaboration between industry, government, and stakeholders.
In response, Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager with IFAW, issued the following statement:
"While we are happy to see that the population estimate has not decreased, we remain gravely concerned. The delay in strengthening the necessary regulations on vessel speeds and on-demand gear (see notes) is unacceptable. The US government is too busy dealing in partisan politics rather than saving this species while we still have a fighting chance.
"The population estimate for the two prior years does show initial signs that the drastic loss of whales may be slowing; however, there is still serious cause for concern and action needed. Right whales face immediate threats from vessel strikes and entanglement, as well as longer term threats such as dwindling population health, and climate change. We are losing right whales at unsustainable rates and unfortunately, annual calving rates remain under the necessary threshold to grow the population.
"A lasting recovery is impossible if current trends and mounting threats continue. This population of whales is unhealthy, stressed, and unable to save themselves."
Dr. Sarah Sharp, animal rescue veterinarian at IFAW added:
"It is essential that we work with the best available science to avoid a repeat of the 17 deaths that occurred in 2017, when the current North Atlantic right whale unusual mortality event was declared. Since then,,148 mortalities, serious injuries, and sublethal injuries have been documented for the species, representing over 40% of the population.
"Human-caused activities like vessel strikes and entanglements are the main threats to the North Atlantic right whale and leading causes of mortality. Injuries sustained from these threats are often deeply painful and can be affect their ability to reproduce, the population's health is suffering from our inaction. To help the population recover, there needs to be an increased focus on improving the overall health of the population, starting at the individual level."
//ENDS
NOTES:
Imagery / video can be found via hightail https://spaces.hightail.com/space/vOq5I6jzwI
Press contact:
Stacey Hedman
Senior Communications Director
m: +1 508 737 2558
e: [email protected]