A recent research study has revealed that North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered species, are engaging in nighttime surface feeding, which puts them at a higher risk of being struck by boats. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, shed light on this behavior and its potential implications for preventing fatal collisions between the whales and vessels.
Led by Jay Kirkham, a PhD student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, the study involved tagging 23 North Atlantic right whales in the Shediac Valley, a region in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence where a portion of the whale population congregates during the summer months. Utilizing video footage and data collected by the tags, the research team observed the whales’ feeding patterns and movements, both during the day and at night.
According to Kirkham, the study’s video recordings were instrumental in capturing the unique feeding behavior of right whales, where their mouth openings act as a braking mechanism, forcing them to exert more effort by propelling their tails faster. This behavior was particularly evident at night when the whales feed closer to the water’s surface, potentially overlapping with the depth of large vessels passing through the area.
While North Atlantic right whales typically feed near the sea floor in daylight hours, they follow their primary food source, zooplankton, to higher water levels during the night. This behavior increases the risk of collisions with ships, which, along with entanglements in fishing gear, are major contributors to the whales’ mortality rates.
Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are currently responsible for implementing protective measures for the whale population, including speed restrictions, vessel exclusion zones, and seasonal fishing closures in the Shediac Valley. However, Kirkham noted that a significant portion of the tagged whales ventured outside the designated protection zones, exposing them to potential ship traffic hazards.
Both departments emphasized the importance of leveraging scientific research and innovative technologies to enhance whale protection measures. Fisheries and Oceans Canada highlighted the potential of the study in developing tailored management strategies to safeguard North Atlantic right whales, while Transport Canada emphasized the use of advanced surveillance programs, including acoustic monitoring systems, to detect and mitigate collision risks in real-time.
By combining the study’s insights with stakeholder feedback and ongoing monitoring efforts, authorities aim to enhance the conservation and protection of these endangered marine mammals.