North Atlantic right whales should live past 100 years old. They’re dying around 22
North Atlantic right whales are facing a dire situation due to various threats, including commercial crab and lobster fishing, which have significantly reduced their lifespan. A recent study published in the journal Science Advances shed light on the plight of these endangered whales, comparing them to their southern counterparts that can live up to 130 years.
Lead author Greg Breed, a biology professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, emphasized the alarming state of North Atlantic right whales, attributing their shortened lifespan of 22 years to ship strikes, entanglements with fishing gear, and climate change. The historical whale hunt, known as “Yankee whaling,” further exacerbated their population decline, leaving them with almost no older individuals to pass down vital knowledge to the younger generation.
With only about 370 North Atlantic right whales left in the wild, the main threats they face are entanglements in fishing gear and collisions with commercial vessels, both of which can be fatal. Breed pointed out that the last time any North Atlantic right whale reached its natural lifespan was likely centuries ago when whaling was rampant but had not yet decimated the population.
The study highlighted the importance of a long lifespan for whales like the North Atlantic right whale, allowing them to delay reproduction until conditions are favorable. However, the current average lifespan of 22 years is far below what it should be, indicating high mortality rates. Recognizing the true longevity of these whales has profound implications for their conservation and understanding of their biology.
Scott Kraus, a research scientist emeritus from New England Aquarium, echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that conservation efforts have not been successful in preventing the extinction of the North Atlantic right whale. He emphasized the crucial role these whales play in fertilizing the ocean and supporting marine productivity, stressing the need for regulation in fishing and shipping industries and stronger climate control measures.
Moving forward, conservation efforts must prioritize the long-term benefits of protecting species like the North Atlantic right whale over short-term economic gains. By implementing stricter regulations and taking decisive action to address climate change, we can work towards ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures and the health of our oceans for generations to come.
