A recent research study discovered that North Atlantic right whales, classified as critically endangered, are engaging in nighttime surface feeding behaviors, which heightens their vulnerability to boat collisions. This study, released in the scientific journal PLOS One, sheds light on the nocturnal feeding habits of these whales and offers insights that could aid in preventing fatal interactions between the whales and marine vessels.
The primary author of the study, Jay Kirkham, a Ph.D. candidate 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, located in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. This valley serves as a feeding ground for a segment of the North Atlantic right whale population, estimated at around 384 individuals during the summer months.
Utilizing these tracking devices, Kirkham’s team collected video footage and behavioral data to study the movement patterns and feeding behaviors of the whales. The observations revealed that right whales exhibit distinct feeding behaviors at night, feeding closer to the water’s surface, which coincides with the depth at which large vessels operate, increasing the risk of collisions.
While these whales typically feed near the seabed during daylight hours, they ascend in the water column at night, following their primary food source, zooplankton. This behavior exposes them to potential collisions with ships navigating the area, as their feeding grounds overlap vertically with vessel paths.
Collisions with vessels and entanglements in fishing gear are identified as major threats to the survival of the North Atlantic right whale population. Kirkham’s study aims to contribute valuable insights that could aid in the development of conservation strategies to safeguard these marine mammals.
Both Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are actively involved in overseeing protective measures for the whales. Fisheries and Oceans Canada emphasized the significance of tailored management strategies based on the study findings to safeguard the North Atlantic right whales. Transport Canada implements speed limitations and enforces exclusion zones for vessels in the Shediac Valley during the summer to minimize the risk of collisions with the whales.
Despite these protective measures, a substantial portion of the tagged whales were found to spend a significant amount of their feeding time outside the designated vessel exclusion zone, exposing them to potential ship traffic. Transport Canada highlighted its right whale surveillance program, which employs visual and audio detection tools to enhance whale protection efforts and ensure their safety from collisions, especially during nighttime conditions.
The department also emphasized its commitment to leveraging the latest scientific research, monitoring data, and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve and adapt protection measures for the North Atlantic right whales. This collaborative approach aims to mitigate the risks posed by vessel collisions and enhance the conservation efforts for these endangered marine species.
