In 1980, the endangered Right Whale was designated the official marine mammal of Massachusetts.
"By the late 1800's there were so few right whales left that hunting them was not profitable, and today it is critically endangered with only about 350 left. Some scientists believe they will not escape extinction. Although hunting the northern right whale has been illegal for almost 100 years, their numbers are not increasing. Because they swim and rest very close to the surface, many are killed by colliding with ships. Fishing nets are also a serious hazard. Some scientists also believe that the pollution in the ocean is affecting the growth of the krill and plankton on which they feed. Add to all this the fact that a female right whales give birth every three to five years to a single calf."
It's really sad about this species of whales. I hope they manage to pull through. Another grey day here-I need sunshine.
ReplyDeleteLooks like 4 more grey days with a dusting of snow possible each day
DeleteI just happened to read this: 'Eight North Atlantic right whale calves have been spotted off the coast of the United States so far this calving season.' The article was dated 2023 so I guess there's hope!
ReplyDeleteHope indeed
DeleteSo sad CJ! Is MA doing anything to help? Beautiful sunshiney day here ... a little cool. 60's with wind.. Have a beautiful weekend! We are hoping to catch some football!! Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteYes, there's the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Falmouth (Cape Cod) as well as the New England Aquarium. Massachusetts Environment Trust is supported through the sale of specialty license plates and donations for grants to environmental organizations that support the Commonwealth
DeleteYour state tourism board should hire you. These posts make me want to move there :)
ReplyDeleteI remember learning about right whales when I read Moby Dick in high school.
Come to Massachusetts for the scenery. Stay for the politics! 😺
DeleteI didn't read Moby Dick until college. Dreadfully boring book. I didn't get very far. Ended up watching the movie with Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart to pass an exam
DeleteIt's sad that so many species are vanishing from our world, and so many people just don't give a damn! Valerie
ReplyDeleteHopefully, they will before it's too late
DeleteSad. We should ... be there for "one another"...
ReplyDeleteWie sagt Mann "indeed"? In der Tat? order zwar?
DeleteI always hate hearing about animals that are on the verge of extinction, due to us people. I hope their population starts growing.
ReplyDeleteA friend sent an article about a pod with young was spotted off the coast. Very hopeful
DeleteSo sad that there are so few whales and they are endangered. How wonderful that they are recognised by Massachusetts and their plight is being shared. Take care! Hugs Jo x
ReplyDeleteThe whaling industry was very big here so it stands to reason that conservation of these animals should be big here as well
DeleteI've never heard of the Right Whale, but I hope the prognosis is good for 2023. After all, we saved the bald eagle in CA and bison in the midwest, surely we can save the Right Whale in MA.
ReplyDeleteI think the state is making great strides in animal conservation.
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