About the Gulf of Maine

Right Whales — on the Brink

Right Whales Home | About the Right Whale | Current Threats | Conservation Efforts

The northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is the world’s rarest whale. Centuries of uncontrolled whaling have pushed this species to the brink of extinction. They were considered the "right" whale to hunt because of their coastal distribution, surface feeding habits, slow swimming speed and the fact that they float when dead. Despite over 60 years of protection, the total population still numbers less than 300.

A combination of human actions and natural forces are slowing their recovery. Right whales are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and are also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and the Marine Mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act in Canada.

• About the Right Whale
• Current Threats
• Conservation Efforts