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**Slow but Steady: North Atlantic Right Whale Population Shows Signs of Recovery**
The North Atlantic right whale (*Eubalaena glacialis*) is one of the most endangered large whales in the world. Their very name reflects their tragic history: these whales were considered the “right” whales for whalers to target, as they floated after being killed, making them easier to harvest.
Today, their biggest threats are ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. However, for once, there’s some good news from the marine conservation community.
According to a statement from the New England Aquarium, estimates for North Atlantic right whale populations are slowly increasing. Researchers from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, New England Aquarium, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimate that, in 2024, there were around 384 individuals—a 2.1 percent increase from the previous year’s count.
So far, 2025 has also shown promise. Heather Pettis, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium, shared with *Popular Science* that there have been 11 known calf births, zero detected deaths, and notably fewer significant entanglements and vessel strikes this year.
“The population increase is really good news, and so far, what we’ve seen in 2025 is also encouraging,” Pettis explains. However, she cautions, “We’re talking about a population of 384 individual whales—that’s still incredibly low. Yes, we’re seeing increases. They’re small, and we still are seeing injuries to animals from human activities. So, I say that we’re cautiously optimistic.”
Pettis emphasizes that conservation efforts must continue with urgency. Both regulatory processes and initiatives beyond regulation are essential. Creative industry solutions and public awareness campaigns play a critical role in protecting these whales.
In Massachusetts, for example, Cape Cod has implemented fishing limits during times when right whales are known to be present as part of its mitigation strategy.
One promising innovation involves new on-demand fishing technology currently being trialed in the U.S. and Canada. This technology aims to prevent whale entanglements by keeping vertical ropes—those that connect traps on the seafloor to buoys at the surface—out of the water column until fishermen need to retrieve their gear.
“Removing those vertical ropes from the water is a huge conservation benefit to right whales,” Pettis explains.
When it comes to reducing ship collisions, many stakeholders are exploring ways to better connect with mariners, informing them when they are entering areas where slowing down would benefit the whales.
Another potential avenue is related to right whale eyesight. A study on humpback whales published earlier this year suggests that their vision may be poorer than previously thought, meaning they might not see fishing gear until it’s too late to avoid it.
While similar studies on right whale eyesight haven’t been published, Pettis notes that there are discussions about which colors right whales might see better underwater. “Are there ways in which we could alter the color of ropes? Might that help? So that’s a lingering question,” she says.
As the North Atlantic right whale population slowly recovers, ongoing efforts combining science, technology, and community engagement remain vital to ensuring its future survival.
https://www.popsci.com/environment/endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales-are-making-a-slow-comeback/