The North Atlantic right whale has been added to the US government’s endangered species list due to a decline in population numbers caused by hunting and accidental entanglements in fishing gear. As of 2018, only around 356 North Atlantic right whales remain, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The US government and NOAA have implemented several measures to protect the species, including speed restrictions for ships in certain areas and closure of fishing areas during certain times of the year. However, more needs to be done to address the issue of fishing gear entanglements.
Endangered Species List Adds North Atlantic Right Whale
The North Atlantic right whale has officially been added to the U.S. government’s list of endangered species. This change comes after years of decline in population numbers due to hunting and accidental entanglements in fishing gear.
Population Decline
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the North Atlantic right whale population has declined by more than half since 2010, with only around 356 whales remaining as of 2018. This decline is due to a combination of hunting in the past, as well as accidental entanglements in fishing gear and ship strikes.
While measures have been taken to reduce ship strikes, such as implementing speed limits in areas where the whales are known to frequent, more needs to be done to address the issue of fishing gear entanglements.
Efforts to Protect the Species
The U.S. government and NOAA have implemented several measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale. These include:
- Speed restrictions for ships in certain areas
- Closure of fishing areas during certain times of the year
- Requiring the use of fishing gear that is less likely to cause entanglements
- Monitoring and tracking of individual whales to assess population numbers and migration patterns
However, these measures have not been enough to prevent the continued decline of the species.
FAQs
What caused the decline in North Atlantic right whale population?
The decline in population is due to a combination of hunting in the past, as well as accidental entanglements in fishing gear and ship strikes.
How many North Atlantic right whales are left?
As of 2018, only around 356 North Atlantic right whales remain.
What is being done to protect the species?
Several measures have been implemented to protect the North Atlantic right whale, including speed restrictions for ships in certain areas, closure of fishing areas during certain times of the year, requiring the use of fishing gear that is less likely to cause entanglements, and monitoring and tracking of individual whales to assess population numbers and migration patterns.
Why are fishing gear entanglements a problem?
Fishing gear entanglements can cause serious injury or death to North Atlantic right whales. Additionally, the whales may become entangled and unable to free themselves, leading to starvation or other health issues.
What can be done to further protect the species?
More needs to be done to address the issue of fishing gear entanglements. This may include further restrictions on certain types of fishing gear, as well as increased education and outreach to fishermen about the importance of protecting the North Atlantic right whale.
