A recent research study has discovered that North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered species, are engaging in nighttime surface feeding, which puts them at a higher risk of boat collisions. The findings, recently published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, shed light on this behavior and its implications for whale conservation efforts.
The study was led by Jay Kirkham, a PhD student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, in collaboration with the U.S.-based non-profit Ocean Alliance. Using tagging technology, the research team tracked 23 right whales in the Shediac Valley, a vital feeding ground for a portion of the North Atlantic right whale population during the summer months.
Through video recordings and data analysis, the researchers observed the whales’ feeding patterns and movements, particularly noting their nighttime feeding behaviors. Kirkham explained that while right whales typically feed near the seabed during the day, they shift their feeding activity closer to the water’s surface at night, coinciding with the depth of large vessels in the area.
The study highlighted the potential collision risks between whales and ships, as the whales’ feeding behavior overlaps vertically with vessel traffic routes in the region. Collisions and entanglements with ships and fishing gear are known to be major threats to the survival of North Atlantic right whales.
To address these risks, governmental bodies like Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have implemented protective measures, such as speed restrictions and vessel exclusion zones in critical whale habitats like the Shediac Valley. Despite these efforts, Kirkham emphasized that a significant portion of tagged whales still venture outside the designated protection zones, exposing them to potential dangers.
In response to the study’s findings, Fisheries and Oceans Canada expressed interest in utilizing the research to develop tailored management strategies for protecting North Atlantic right whales. Transport Canada also emphasized its commitment to whale conservation through surveillance programs that utilize advanced technologies like acoustic monitoring systems to detect and safeguard whales from ship collisions.
The study underscores the importance of ongoing research and collaboration among scientists, conservationists, and government agencies to safeguard the North Atlantic right whale population and mitigate the risks posed by human activities in their habitats.