The North Atlantic Right Whale species have been undergoing an unusual mortality event since 2017, meaning that large numbers of the species have been unexpectedly dying off.
since 2017, meaning that large numbers of the species have been unexpectedly dying off.
In their latest update, officials said at least 114 whales have been impacted over the past six years. Of those, 36 have died, 33 were seriously injured and 45 suffered sublethal injuries or illness. Many of the cases are adult females and calves, prompting further concern as both are vital to the species' survival. that the agency determined the updated figures after reviewing research photographs and surveys.
While the revised tally is a significant jump for the rapidly declining population, there is a chance the situation could be even more dire – only about one-third of right whale deaths are actually documented, NOAA says. North Atlantic Right Whales are massive, weighing up to 140,000 pounds and growing up to 52 feet long. They should be able to live up to 70 years in Atlantic coastal waters, but many of the whales that have been injured or found dead are substantially younger.
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