The Race to Save the North Atlantic Right Whale

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A critically endangered species is dying in devastating ways—and we have the power to change that.

North Atlantic right whale named "Kilo" breaching off the coast of Massachusetts. Photo credit: Mass.gov Division of Fish and Wildlife

A Species on the Brink

The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered, with fewer than 350 individuals and 80 breeding females remaining. Tragically, more of these whales are dying each year than are being born—and their deaths are not natural. They are the victims of human activity, particularly ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, which inflicts slow, painful deaths through starvation, infection, or exhaustion.

The Toll of Entanglement

Chronic entanglement limits a whale’s ability to swim, feed, and reproduce. It often leads to prolonged suffering, impacting the whale’s health and behavior for months—or even years—before death.

One harrowing example is captured in a documented case study: The whale, identified as the 2011 calf of whale #3293, was born in December 2010. He was seen several times during his first year, appearing healthy and unentangled. But by January 28, 2012, he was never seen alive again. (Pictures of entangled calf 2011 are below). After his death, researchers found him entangled in U.S. trap/pot gear with two weak links—designed to break under pressure—still intact. The links failed to release, sealing his fate. (Morin et al. 2018, as cited in Sharpe et al. 2019). This heartbreaking story is just one of many. Entanglement is not only an animal welfare crisis—it’s a conservation emergency.

A Turning Point for the Right Whale

Without immediate, science-based interventions, we risk losing this iconic species within our lifetime. But there is hope—if we act now.

What Can Be Done?

1. Ropeless (On-Demand) Fishing Gear

This innovative gear eliminates vertical lines in the water column—one of the leading causes of entanglements.

  • How it works: Instead of using a fixed buoy, traps are deployed and retrieved via remote signals.

  • Why it matters: It protects whales without eliminating fishing opportunities.

2. Time-Area Closures

Temporarily restricting fishing in high-risk areas during peak whale presence can dramatically reduce entanglement.

3. Vessel Speed Restrictions

Collisions with ships are another major cause of whale deaths. Speed limits in certain zones reduce this risk significantly.

What You Can Do

Consumers have power.
When buying lobster or crab, ask:

  • Is this product from a whale-safe fishery?

  • Does the brand support ropeless gear or gear modifications?

Choosing seafood from low-risk, sustainable fisheries helps protect the North Atlantic right whale and encourages industry-wide change.

BNEC’s Commitment

At BNEC, we’re working to protect this critically endangered species by:

  • Advocating for gear modifications like ropeless gear

  • Supporting time-area closures to prevent entanglement

  • Promoting vessel speed regulations to reduce ship strikes

  • Collaborating with sustainable fisheries that want to do better

The Bottom Line

The North Atlantic right whale doesn’t have time to wait. If we fail to act, we may witness the extinction of one of the most iconic species in our waters.

But if we lead with science, compassion, and innovation—we can write a different ending.

Photo credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - taken from DAO Article:file:///Users/purciework/Documents/NARW%20file/DAO%20Article%20on%20NARW%20deaths.pdf See supplemental material

Entangled North Atlantic right whale calf #2011