PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 26, 2020
A new population estimate from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the already endangered population of North Atlantic right whales declined about 11 percent in 2018, even more than originally believed. The estimated population dropped from 412 right whales in January 2018 to 366 in January 2019. The agency said the low population numbers mean it is essential to protect every right whale to avoid extinction. Deaths from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear in both U.S. and Canadian waters remain the two known factors in the ongoing decline. Climate change and the warming Gulf of Maine have exacerbated problems facing right whales.