Protection
measures appear to be working, but the outlook for the whales remain bleak as
only 411 are believed to remain worldwide
Leyland
Cecco in Toronto
Wed 2 Jan
2019 18.14 GMTLast modified on Wed 2 Jan 2019 18.25 GMT
No North
Atlantic right whales were killed in Canadian waters last year – a rare glimmer
of hope for officials working to protect one
of the world’s most endangered species.
While the
government protection measures appear to be working, the outlook for the whales
remains bleak: only 411 are believed to remain worldwide, with fewer females
giving birth than in previous years.
Facing
extinction, the North Atlantic right whale cannot adapt. Can we?
The
urgency in deploying environmental protections comes after a catastrophic 12
right whales were killed in Canadian waters in 2017 – the deadliest year on
record for the species. Most of the deaths were the result of collisions with
marine vessels. Rope
entanglements from fishing boats were also suspected in
two deaths. Another six were killed in American waters.
Sweeping measures introduced
last year by Canada’s government include a 100-meter buffer zone between the
whales and boats, fishing closures and vessel slowdowns. Violations of the
rules can run steep: fines range from C$100,000 ($73,000) to C$500,000
($366,543) – with repeat offenders facing potential jail time.
Large
boats, including cruise ships, are required to slow their speed down to 10
knots in protection zones, reducing the risk of colliding with whales. The new
limits have prompted some cruise ship companies to modify itineraries and
bypass the region.
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