April 28, 2025 — At least 11 right whales were born this calving season, the New England Aquarium reported this week.
The number is lower than what scientists hoped, as the critically endangered species faces threats from human-caused activities. Entanglements in fishing gear and boat strikes are the leading causes of death and injury to the population.
Scientists say those injuries make it more difficult for right whales to reproduce and survive.
The 2024 calving season was more encouraging because roughly 20 individuals were born. However, the New England Aquarium noted that by last fall, a handful of newly born right whales had already disappeared.
Read the full story at Rhode Island PBS