A recent research study discovered that endangered North Atlantic right whales are feeding nearer to the ocean’s surface during nighttime, heightening their vulnerability to boat collisions. The study, released in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, detailed observations of nighttime surface feeding behavior in North Atlantic right whales, offering valuable insights to mitigate deadly encounters between the whales and vessels.
Lead author of the study, Jay Kirkham, a PhD student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, collaborated with the U.S.-based non-profit Ocean Alliance to attach tracking devices to 23 right whales in the Shediac Valley, an underwater valley located in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. This specific area attracts a portion of the North Atlantic right whale population, estimated at around 384 whales, for feeding purposes each summer.
Kirkham explained that the tracking devices captured video footage and movement data of the whales, aiding in the observation of their feeding patterns. The study highlighted that at night, the whales feed at a depth similar to large vessels, increasing the likelihood of collisions. While the whales traditionally feed near the sea floor during the day, they ascend to higher water levels at night to follow their food source, zooplankton.
The study’s findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures as collisions with ships and entanglements in fishing gear remain significant threats to the whale population. Both Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are responsible for overseeing protection measures for the whales, including speed restrictions, vessel exclusion zones, and seasonal fishing closures in the Shediac Valley.
Transport Canada employs a surveillance program to detect right whales using visual and audio tools, aiming to reduce collision risks. The department stated that incorporating the study’s insights into their management strategies could lead to tailored measures for safeguarding North Atlantic right whales effectively.