A new study says the population of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales is continuing its downward trend.
The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium says its latest estimate stands at 340 animals as of last year—a decline from 348 recorded in 2020.
The Boston-based consortium, which includes more than 200 conservation, government and industry organizations, says female right whales are getting smaller and are having fewer calves.
The consortium says only 15 calves were born in 2022, far below the average of 24 reported in the early 2000s.
As well, the group determined there were no first-time mothers this season, which supports earlier research showing a downward trend in the number of female right whales capable of breeding….