Last year was a record year for right whale births, but a bad year for right whale deaths. At least twenty-two calves were born, but a chronic high infant mortality rate took its toll. Three calves were documented to have died, all from unknown causes. In addition, two other adult right whales were found dead, one from a ship collision and one from unknown causes. Right whales were hunted to near extinction before they were internationally protected in the 1930s.
Genetic studies indicate that the current population has descended from as few as three females.
Inbreeding that may affect reproduction, fishing gear entanglement, pollution and ship collisions continue to take their toll. Each winter since 1984, the Aquarium's right whale project has flown aerial surveys over critical North Atlantic right whale winter calving habitat. In 1989, researchers began relaying information gathered in these surveys to ship captains. Aerial surveys are a cooperative effort of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Navy. All Rights Reserved.