The North Atlantic right whale population, one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, is experiencing a notable increase in births, with 19 calves documented in the 2024 season. This represents the highest number since 2015 and offers a glimmer of hope for a species with fewer than 360 individuals remaining. However, scientists and conservationists emphasize that this ‘baby boom’ does not signify recovery. The primary threats of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear continue to cause high mortality and serious injury rates, particularly among breeding females. The species’ overall population trend remains downward due to these persistent human-caused dangers. While the surge in calves is a positive and necessary development, long-term survival depends on effective mitigation of these key threats. Read the full article at: https://www.wired.com/story/a-north-atlantic-right-whale-baby-boom-is-on-but-the-species-remains-at-risk/