Why Saving the North Atlantic Right Whale Helps Save the World

 Like other right whales, the North Atlantic right whale is sometimes called the black right whale, due to its dark gray to black skin. Some individuals also have patches of white on their stomachs or throats. Their blowhole is V-shaped, which creates a heart-shaped blow when they surface.

North Atlantic right whales average 43 to 59 feet in length and can weigh between 44 and 99 tons.

At one time, this magnificent species had a population estimated between 9,000 and 21,000 individuals. However, by the early 1900s, they were nearly hunted to extinction, with fewer than 100 whales remaining. This dramatic decline led to the species being classified as critically endangered.

In 2003, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) took an important conservation step by shifting shipping traffic separation schemes (TSS) to reduce deadly ship strikes. This marked the first time the IMO changed shipping lanes specifically to protect marine mammals.

Today, the population of the North Atlantic right whale has slowly increased to an estimated 350 to 384 individuals. While this is progress, the species remains critically endangered.

Right whales continue to face serious threats, including climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and boat strikes. As ocean conditions change, they are forced to migrate to new areas in search of food, increasing their risk of human interaction.

Despite conservation efforts, the North Atlantic right whale is still fighting for survival. Why North Atlantic Right Whales Matter

North Atlantic right whales play an important role in keeping the ocean and the planet healthy.

Climate Change Mitigation: These whales help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Throughout their long lives, they absorb large amounts of carbon. When a whale dies, its body sinks to the deep ocean, where that carbon can be stored for hundreds of years instead of returning to the atmosphere.

Oxygen Production: The nutrient-rich waste produced by right whales fertilizes phytoplankton. These microscopic organisms are responsible for producing over 50% of the world’s oxygen, making whales indirectly essential to life on Earth.

Supporting Marine Biodiversity: Right whales act as “ecosystem engineers.” Their movement through the ocean and the nutrients they cycle help support a healthy marine food chain, providing nutrients for fish, plankton, and other ocean life.

Protecting North Atlantic right whales doesn’t just save one species—it helps protect the entire ocean ecosystem and the planet itself.