After decades of bad news, the North Atlantic right whale is finally moving in the right direction. It’s still one of the most endangered whales on Earth, but for the first time in a long while, they’re slowly rebuilding their numbers. “Slowly” being the keyword.

The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium released new numbers showing a population increase of just over 2 percent from 2023 to 2024. That might sound minor, but in the context of this species’ history, it’s huge. Eight new calves were born this year, bringing the total to roughly 384 whales.

“It’s always a great feeling when we can share positive news about this critically endangered species,” said Heather Pettis of the New England Aquarium. Pettis has tracked right whales for years and says this season brought fewer injuries

See Full Page