The North Atlantic right whale population in Canadian waters is showing positive signs this year, with Fisheries and Oceans Canada emphasizing the necessity of strict protections such as fishing area closures. Monitoring is conducted annually in key marine regions, including waters near Prince Edward Island and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to track right whales. The detection of a right whale can lead to temporary fishing area closures for conservation purposes.
Brett Gilchrist from DFO mentioned that this year has been favorable, with a significant number of right whale detections. Over 680 visual sightings and more than 2,000 acoustic detections have been recorded. Right whales, among the most endangered large whale species globally, typically arrive in Canadian waters between April and May. Gilchrist noted that the overall population seems to have stabilized after a period of decline, estimating the current population at around 384 whales, including 70 breeding females.
This year has also seen the birth of over 23 calves, indicating a positive calving trend. However, the species remains vulnerable, especially to entanglement in fishing gear. An entangled whale was sighted in Canadian waters this year, emphasizing the ongoing threat. Efforts are being made through DFO’s Marine Mammal Response Program to locate and free entangled whales, as well as trace the origin of the gear.
To aid in detection and conservation, acoustic technologies like Viking buoys and mobile gliders are employed in addition to gear marking schemes. Gilchrist highlighted that a single detection of a right whale triggers a 15-day closure of an area of up to 2,000 square kilometers to protect the whales, given their extensive daily movement range.
While there may be concerns among fish harvesters regarding the impact of closures on fishing activities, Gilchrist emphasized the critical importance of protecting the right whale population. With the population still endangered, efforts will continue to mitigate risks to the whales while supporting sustainable fishing practices.