North Atlantic right whales at greater risk of collision with boats at night: study

Halifax - New research from Dalhousie University indicates that critically endangered North Atlantic right whales are feeding closer to the ocean's surface at night, heightening their risk of being hit by boats. The study, led by Jay Kirkham, tagged 23 right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and analyzed video footage with a machine-learning algorithm.

The data showed that the whales were feeding at the same depth as large vessels during nighttime hours, suggesting an increased collision risk. Kirkham noted that collisions with vessels and entanglements in fishing gear are the primary causes of death for the population, estimated at around 384 whales. Current protection measures, overseen by Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, include vessel exclusion zones, speed limits, and seasonal fishing closures.