Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Entangled in Fishing Gear in Canadian Waters
In a concerning development, a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been observed entangled in fishing gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northeast of New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula. This is the first sighting of a right whale in Canadian waters this season.
The entangled whale, an adult female known as Shelagh, was spotted by a crew conducting a routine surveillance flight. She was seen dragging gear that appeared to be caught in her mouth. The federal Marine Mammal Response Program is currently attempting to remove the gear, but the whale’s location far offshore presents challenges.
The type and origin of the fishing gear involved are still undetermined. Investigations and removal of gear typically provide more information about these aspects.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of entanglement to right whales. An estimated 85% of right whales have been entangled in fishing gear at least once in their lives.
The North Atlantic right whale population, estimated at around 360 individuals, faces significant challenges. In addition to entanglement, ship strikes and habitat loss pose serious threats to the species. The population has been in decline for years, with 12 deaths occurring in Canadian waters and another five in U.S. waters in 2017 alone.
In response to these challenges, the Canadian government has implemented various measures to enhance protection for right whales. These measures include increased aerial surveillance, restrictions on shipping lanes, slower speed limits for vessels, temporary fishing ground closures, and real-time monitoring using underwater listening devices.
As the Atlantic Ocean warms, right whales have altered their migration patterns, increasingly venturing into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This change exposes them to increased ship traffic and fishing activity, heightening the risks of collisions and entanglement.
The plight of Shelagh, the entangled right whale, underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts and collaboration to safeguard this critically endangered species.
