North Atlantic Right Whale
Eubalaena glacialis
Right whales are among the rarest of all marine mammal species. North Atlantic right whales tend to be black with white undersides and lack the typical dorsal fin that most whales have. They have large heads, broad backs, paddle-like flippers and a curved lower lip resembling a frown. The varying patterns of rough patches of skin called callosities found on their bodies are marks of identification that aid scientists to track different individuals. Rather than teeth, right whales have baleen plates in their mouths. These help the whales to filter small zooplankton and krill from the water.
The North Atlantic right whale is comprised of two separate populations – the western and eastern populations.
Length 45-55
ft
Weight Up
to 70 tons; females are larger than males
Lifespan 50-100 years
Diet
Staples zooplankton and krill
Population
The western North Atlantic right whale population, which inhabits the waters off the East coast of the United States and Canada, today contains roughly 350 individuals. The eastern population, which was once found from the coast of northern Europe to the northwest coast of Africa, is already nearly, if not completely, extinct.
Range
North Atlantic right whales range from Nova Scotia to the southeastern United States and migrate the length of the U.S. east coast.
Behavior
Right whales are slow swimmers and average up to 6 miles per hour. They are known to make brief shallow dives in succession before submerging themselves underwater for up to 20 minute at a time. They usually travel solo or in small groups.
Right whales are also known to emit low frequency sounds that may be a form of communication. When they feed, the water skimming across their baleen plates creates a clicking "baleen rattle."
Reproduction
Mating Season during
winter
Gestation 1 year
Litter size 1 calf
Females give birth every 3-5 years and at birth, calves tend
to be between 13-15 feet
Defenders is actively working to protect North Atlantic right whales through enacting stricter regulations for shipping lanes and boat speeds
More information on North Atlantic right whales and Defenders' legal work to protect them.
Threats
Right whales are threatened by human activities which cause at least 50% of all right whale mortalities. This includes entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation and ship strikes (Ship strikes alone account for 37% of known whale deaths since 1986).
Legal Status/Protection
The Right Whale has been listed under the *Endangered Species Act as an endangered species since 1973. However, the National Marine Fisheries Service have yet to take the necessary measures to protect the whales by enacting stricter regulations for shipping lanes and boat speeds despite petitions and a lawsuit from Defenders.
*The Endangered Species Act requires the US government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.
How You Can Help
- Help North Atlantic Right Whales and other wildlife by adopting a whale today at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
For additional information
Right Whales on NOAA's website
Right Whale Identification Game (New England Aquarium)
Right Whale Research (New England Aquarium)
