In 2024, the North Atlantic right whale, a species long at risk, experienced a modest increase in its population, with estimates from the New England Aquarium showing a rise to 384 individuals from the revised 2023 count of 376. This positive development is coupled with a significant decrease in entanglements and ship strikes, which are the primary causes of harm and fatalities for these whales.
Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life in Boston, expressed optimism about the eight-whale increase, highlighting that the population had been in decline for nearly a decade. However, despite this uptick, Hamilton emphasized that the species is not yet considered fully recovered.
The North Atlantic right whale has been classified as endangered in the United States since 1970. Reflecting on past trends, Hamilton noted that the whales underwent significant habitat changes in the 2010s, with many moving towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late spring, resulting in a spike in mortality rates among them.
Hamilton acknowledged that the whales seem to be adapting to new oceanic conditions, but cautioned that unforeseen shifts could pose threats to their well-being. He cited past incidents in the Gulf St. Lawrence in 2017 and 2019 where a high number of right whale deaths occurred due to ship strikes and entanglements.
Looking ahead, Hamilton expressed hope for another modest population increase in the coming year, barring any sudden habitat changes that could endanger the whales. Government regulations have been implemented in response to previous mortality events, including speed limits for ships and fishing closures when whales are sighted in specific areas.
In 2025, the New England Aquarium reported fewer deaths, entanglements, and vessel strikes compared to the previous year. While the population estimate for 2024 requires further processing, real-time tracking indicates a positive trend with reduced injuries in 2025. Hamilton noted a slow increase in the reproductive pool, with an uptick in the number of reproductive females and new births observed.
Despite the positive signs, challenges remain, with some entangled whales yet to be freed and concerns about unreported mortalities. Hamilton emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of the North Atlantic right whale population.
