Atlantic Right Whales found dead
Seven north Atlantic Right Whales have been found dead in the Gulf of St Lawrence, off Canada, in recent weeks, in what is being described as a “catastrophic” blow to one of the world’s most endangered whales.
The first whale carcass was reported in early June, and within a month, another six came in. It is being reported as the largest die-off of this particular species at once.
The global population of north Atlantic right whales - which live along the eastern seaboard of Canada and the US and can reach up to 16 metres (50ft) in length - is thought to be around 525, meaning that more than 1% of the population has died in the past month.
At least two of the whales were female, with one of them known to be entering her reproductive years. A female right whale can have anywhere from five to ten calves in her lifetime.
None of the whales have shown any obvious causes for death, and a team of federal scientists, pathologists and veterinarians have conducted necropsies on three of the whales, hoping to find clues before the carcasses become too decomposed.
While the findings are still preliminary, signs of severe blunt force trauma and bruising were found on two of the whales, suggesting collision with a vessel, while the third had been tangled in fishing gear for weeks.
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PC: AP
Rp: @endtheslavery (on Instagram)
The first whale carcass was reported in early June, and within a month, another six came in. It is being reported as the largest die-off of this particular species at once.
The global population of north Atlantic right whales - which live along the eastern seaboard of Canada and the US and can reach up to 16 metres (50ft) in length - is thought to be around 525, meaning that more than 1% of the population has died in the past month.
At least two of the whales were female, with one of them known to be entering her reproductive years. A female right whale can have anywhere from five to ten calves in her lifetime.
None of the whales have shown any obvious causes for death, and a team of federal scientists, pathologists and veterinarians have conducted necropsies on three of the whales, hoping to find clues before the carcasses become too decomposed.
While the findings are still preliminary, signs of severe blunt force trauma and bruising were found on two of the whales, suggesting collision with a vessel, while the third had been tangled in fishing gear for weeks.
•••
PC: AP
Rp: @endtheslavery (on Instagram)
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