Researchers were both surprised and thrilled to find a previously undocumented baby right whale swimming alongside its mother near the shores of Quebec.
This stealthy North Atlantic right whale calf, weighing in at an impressive 6,804 kilograms, had successfully avoided detection by scientists who diligently monitor the populations of endangered species.
The calf was only photographed in September off the coast of Anticosti Island.
“I have to admit, I was initially a bit doubtful,” stated Amy Warren, a scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center of the New England Aquarium, during an interview with As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal.
However, Warren and her team meticulously verified the sighting by identifying the mother and matching the calf’s unique markings with existing records of other whales.
This unexpected sighting has raised the count of baby right whales from the latest birthing season to 24, marking the most successful year for the species since 2009, and the fourth highest count ever recorded, according to the aquarium.
“This year certainly brings a lot of hope and optimism,” Warren expressed.
Warren notes that scientists focused on North Atlantic right whales do not often find many reasons for optimism.
Currently, there are only 380 individuals remaining globally, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and their population decreased by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020. Only about 70 of these are known to be of reproductive age.
This decline is partly due to rising ocean temperatures pushing the whales out of safe habitats and into areas where they are highly at risk of colliding with large vessels and becoming entangled in fishing gear.
“Witnessing these whales endure traumatic experiences can be incredibly disheartening. We document their injuries and scars, dedicating significant time to discussing and analyzing these issues,” Warren explained.
“So, seeing these calves, particularly in such numbers, is truly uplifting.”
Trend or anomaly?
There may be a shift in fortunes. Since 2020, North Atlantic right whales have shown some signs of population recovery, as reported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the current surge in calves has scientists cautiously hopeful.
However, Warren cautions against jumping to conclusions about whether this is indicative of a broader trend or merely a one-time event.
“It’s possible they are finding more abundant food sources in better locations,” she remarked.
“We sincerely hope that the protective measures being implemented by researchers and managers are proving effective. But it’s challenging to assert that with certainty.”
Videographers Heather MacAulay and Chris Murphy captured a remarkable sight on September 1 when they spotted a North Atlantic right whale off the coast of Blackhead Cove, N.L. The species is critically endangered, yet there are encouraging signs indicating a potential stabilization in their population.
The new calf is the offspring of a female named Silt, who is estimated to be at least 38 years old. This marks her sixth offspring.
“She is a very experienced mother,” Warren noted. “Her last calf was born in 2022, so the timing aligns perfectly for another calf this year.”
While right whales can theoretically give birth every three years, Warren explains that they typically wait between five to ten years in practice.
However, she observes that this interval seems to be decreasing.
“This year, we noticed that the average interval among females was closer to five years, compared to the average of about ten years from a decade ago.”
How did this calf elude detection?
These elusive marine creatures typically give birth off the southeastern coast of the U.S. during the winter before migrating north to New England and Canada to feed. Scientists monitor their numbers closely, taking extensive photographs and cataloging them based on their unique head patterns.
According to Warren, the calves are usually hard to overlook. They are still mastering swimming and cannot hold their breath for extended periods.
“Mothers and calves tend to stay near the surface, making them easier to spot,” Warren explained.
“Therefore, the fact that this mother-calf pair managed to travel from their birthing area all the way to Canada and nearly back without being detected by any surveys along the way is quite remarkable and rare.”
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The pair was spotted by researchers from the Mingan Island Cetacean Study, a non-profit organization located in the coastal Côte-Nord region of the province.
“This demonstrates just how vast the ocean is and how easily these animals can become lost in it,” remarked Richard Sears, founder and director of the Mingan Island Cetacean Study.
Warren, on her part, expresses hope that this sighting signifies a brighter future for North Atlantic right whales.
“That is the hope,” she stated. “But we will see how things develop in the coming years.”