The Endangered Status of North Atlantic Right Whales

North Atlantic right whales, one of the most endangered large whale species in the world, are currently on the brink of extinction. With only approximately 370 individuals remaining, these majestic creatures face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, and collisions with vessels. The whales’ numbers have not recovered despite international bans on whaling, and their future seems uncertain.

The Role of Technology in Whale Conservation

In recent years, a small but significant network of coastal signaling devices has emerged as a key linchpin in the conservation efforts of North Atlantic right whales. These devices, collectively known as StationKeepers, use an Automated Identification System (AIS) to transmit the locations of whales and speed zones directly to the navigation screens of ships.

• The StationKeeper project, initiated by Moses Calouro, CEO of Maritime Information Systems, has partnered with businesses, nonprofits, and coastal towns to install these devices along the entire Atlantic coast.
• These devices have already shown promising results, with over 85% of ships slowing down upon entering the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, an underwater plateau and feeding ground for right whales off the coast of Cape Cod.

The Importance of Speed Zones

Mariners already try to avoid whales to protect the animals and their ships, but they don’t always know when one is around. To address this issue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sets up slow zones, in which mariners are asked to slow their speed to 10 knots (11.5 mph) or less to reduce the likelihood of hitting a whale and the risk of fatally injuring it. These zones are separate from seasonal management areas, which have mandatory speed rules.

• The StationKeeper system has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of ship-whale collisions, with a significant decrease in the number of vessels that fail to slow down within the slow zones.
• The system also helps to raise awareness among mariners about the presence of whales and the need to exercise caution when navigating through areas with high whale activity.

Reducing Entanglements

Entanglements in fishing gear are another significant threat to North Atlantic right whales. Even if the whale survives the tangle, the damage and stress of thrashing in the lines can hurt their ability to give birth. To address this issue, technological advancements can reduce the need for buoy lines, such as ropeless fishing gear.

• Mike Lane, a lobsterman based out of Cohasset, Massachusetts, has worked with the underwater technology company EdgeTech to create prototypes of ropeless fishing gear.
• Ropeless gear uses pop-up buoys, lift bags, or buoyant spools that, when remotely triggered, inflate or detach and bring the trap to the surface for collection.

Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges and limitations of the current technology, the StationKeeper project and other conservation efforts offer hope for the future of North Atlantic right whales. The appearance of four new first-time mothers is a positive sign, and the continued development of innovative technologies and cooperative efforts is essential to ensuring the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures.

“It seems clear to me,” says Greg Reilly, marine campaigner for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, “that if we get out of their way, they will do what they do, and they’ll bounce back.”

The StationKeeper project is still evolving, with plans to use the network to set up geofences, virtual geographic boundaries that send real-time weather data and emergency alerts to mariners. The marine sanctuary is also exploring the use of auto-detection buoys and satellite technology to more accurately predict right whales’ paths. “We are only limited by our imagination for the benefits for mariners,” says Courtney Reich, coastal director of the Georgia Conservancy. The continued development of innovative technologies and cooperative efforts is essential to ensuring the long-term survival of North Atlantic right whales. Conclusion:

The coastal signaling devices known as StationKeepers offer a beacon of hope for the endangered North Atlantic right whales. By reducing the risk of ship-whale collisions and promoting awareness among mariners, these devices are helping to protect these magnificent creatures. While challenges remain, the continued development of innovative technologies and cooperative efforts is essential to ensuring the long-term survival of North Atlantic right whales.