Featured Image Credit: Brian J. Skerry, National Geographic
By Sarah Sharkey
A North Atlantic right whale was found dead off the coast of Virginia. This is the first North Atlantic right whale to be found dead this year.
An estimated 17 North Atlantic right whales were found dead in US and Canadian waters in 2017. The primary cause of death for these animals is human activity. Shipping and fishing are the two most threatening activities to these very endangered whales.
NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is asking ships off the coast to slow down with a new voluntary slow-speed zone in the mid-Atlantic. This is being put in effect to help ensure the safety of four North Atlantic right whales who have been spotted in the area.
The slow down zone is 86 nautical miles east-southeast of Virginia Beach. NOAA is asking ships to slow down to 10 knots or less in that area, or to route around the slow speed zone. With these new measures in place, it is hoped that the four North Atlantic right whales in the area will not be struck.
The population of North Atlantic right whales is estimated to be at around 450. Yes, that is a total estimate. Every whale matters in a population so close to extinction.
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