"Shrinking Right Whale Population Faces Drastic Consequences"

Critically endangered North Atlantic right whales are shrinking in size, leading to reduced calving rates and threatening the survival of the species. A study found that smaller females had fewer calves, with body size being a significant factor in their ability to reproduce. The declining size is attributed to stressors such as climate change and reduced nutrient availability. With only 356 individuals believed to be alive today, urgent protections are needed to prevent their extinction, including updated vessel speed limits and stronger regulations to reduce the risks and stress faced by these whales.