Once on the brink, North Atlantic right whales are slowly rebounding

One of The World’s Most Endangered Whales Is Making a Cautious Return (Image: Canva)

After years of struggle and uncertainty, hope is returning to the Atlantic. The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, once on the brink of extinction, is finally showing small signs of recovery.

Researchers at the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported a 2% increase in 2024 compared to 2023. That means eight new calves were born, raising the total to about 384 whales. It may seem minor, but scientists say it’s a promising change. Since 2020, the population has risen by over 7%, reversing years of decline.

For a species that lost a quarter of its population in the decade before, even a few births signal progress. “It’s always a great feeling when we can share positive news about this critically endangered species,” said Heather Pettis, head of the right whale research programme at the New England Aquarium.

So far this year, none have been reported, a positive milestone. However, researchers warn that many whales remain injured or in poor condition, and birth rates are still lower than ideal. Pettis emphasised that conservation efforts must continue. “The slight increase, coupled with fewer injuries, leaves us cautiously optimistic,” she said.

Despite protection laws, whales face frequent risks from ship collisions and fishing gear entanglements. Oceana, a marine conservation group, estimates that around a quarter of the population in the US and Canada becomes entangled each year, with about 85% having been caught at least once.

Scientists suggest temporary fishing-free zones and ropeless fishing gear as solutions, though both need strong community backing. “Detecting entanglements is challenging, as it requires two things to align: people to be looking and whales to be present,” said Philip Hamilton, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.

The path to recovery remains long and uncertain, but experts remain hopeful. Pettis believes consistent protection and innovation are key. “The road to recovery for this population is long,” she said.

The North Atlantic right whales have survived centuries of human pressure. Now, as their numbers slowly rise, the message is clear — they need to keep swimming, and humans need to give them the space to do so.