Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water that sustains countless ecosystems and absorbs carbon dioxide and heat, regulating our climate. We truly live on a blue planet, which makes ocean conservation efforts critical. Even small wins deserve our attention, as they lay the groundwork for larger breakthroughs.
This week, Oceana shared that North Atlantic right whales have shattered a 15-year record with 21 calves born so far this season. With only 380 of these whales remaining, the news is particularly heartening. Scientists consider 20 calves the benchmark for a productive calving season, though the population would need at least 50 new calves annually to truly recover and grow. Since we’re only halfway through the season, there’s great potential to break further records.
These critically endangered whales are recognisable by their unique skin patches and distinctive V-shaped spout, which can reach up to 4.5 metres high. To survive in cold waters, they rely on an insulating layer of blubber up to 30 centimetres thick. Today, their biggest threats are entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes and climate change.
To celebrate this encouraging piece of conservation news, here are three photographs capturing these magnificent giants:
Bay of Fundy whale shot by @liambrennnan
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Whale calf shot by @cmaquarium
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Aerial shot by @deluna_vision
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