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North Atlantic Right Whale

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The North Atlantic right whale is a critically endangered species of baleen whale. It has suffered significant population declines due to historical whaling and is currently facing numerous threats leading to its status as one of the most endangered whale species globally.

Habitat & Range

In Atlantic Canada, North Atlantic Right Whales frequent the Bay of Fundy, the Scotian Shelf, and areas around Newfoundland and Labrador, especially during feeding and migration periods. They migrate north from their winter calving grounds off the coasts of Georgia and Florida to the rich feeding grounds in the Labrador Sea.

Diet

Their diet primarily consists of copepods and other small invertebrates, which they filter from the water using their baleen plates. They are often seen feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Atlantic Canada during summer and autumn.

Scientific Name

Eubalaena glacialis

Conservation Status

Listed as Endangered, the North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the most endangered whale species globally. In Atlantic Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, these whales are protected under multiple conservation statutes such as the Endangered Species Act and Canada's Species at Risk Act due to their declining population numbers, which are significantly impacted by human activities.

Size

Adults can reach lengths of 13–16 meters (43–52 feet) and weigh between 40,000 to 70,000 kg (44 to 77 short tons). Females are typically larger than males.

Population

The population in the North Atlantic is critically low, with fewer than 370 individuals estimated to remain. This includes a low number of reproductively active females, which is particularly concerning for their recovery prospects.

THreats

The North Atlantic Right Whale faces significant threats that are exacerbated by its natural behaviors, particularly its surface-skimming feeding habits. These whales tend to feed near the surface, moving slowly and opening their mouths wide to capture plankton, making them particularly vulnerable to entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes. The fishing lines, nets, and ropes can entangle around the whales’ mouths or bodies, leading to severe injuries or even death due to drowning, starvation, or infection from wounds. This surface feeding behavior also increases the likelihood of collisions with ships, as the whales are less likely to notice and avoid approaching vessels.

The noise pollution from increased maritime activity also disrupts the whales’ communication and navigation, which can disorient them and make them more prone to accidents and entanglements. Changes in their habitat due to pollution and climate change further challenge these whales by altering the distribution of their food sources, pushing them closer to busy shipping lanes and fishing areas. Additionally, climate change impacts the availability and location of their plankton prey, potentially leading them into more dangerous, high-traffic waters or areas where they face higher risks of threats.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS

Conservation efforts in Atlantic Canada include critical habitat identification, modifications to shipping lanes to reduce the risk of vessel strikes, and fishing gear modifications to prevent entanglements. There are also ongoing research and monitoring programs aimed at understanding their migration patterns and habitat needs.

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© Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter