One study even suggests that right whales compete for food with planktivorous fish such as sand lance and herring. In 1986, the summer when many right whales stayed around Stellwagen Bank, there were very few of these fish in the area. In the future, scientists are planning to implant selected whales with satellite transmitters. The transmitter, which is shot from a crossbow, lodges underneath the whale's skin. Several times a day, the transmitter sends a signal to a satellite.
Researchers can then download information on the location of the whale.
Biologists hope to use this information to locate where males go during the winter and the location of the suspected second summer nursing area. However, the short battery life of the transmitters and the overall expense limits the scope of such studies. Once researchers know the location of these critical habitats, such as the wintering areas or possible second nursing grounds, conservationists may be better able to protect the whales. For example, they may be able to establish additional sanctuaries or perhaps regulate shipping traffic. Biologists estimate that collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear has caused over one third of right whale deaths between 1980 and 1995.