By: Jasmine Sun

An endangered North Atlantic right whale has been spotted off Ireland’s coast for the first time in 114 years.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species in the world. Two other species of right whales exist, the North Pacific right whale, which is found in the North Pacific Ocean, and the southern right whale, which is found in the southern hemisphere.

North Atlantic right whales have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. There are only about 360 North Atlantic right whales remaining in the world. There are less than 70 reproductively active females left. Human impacts still continue to threaten the survival of this species of whales.

The IWDG said that the last positive identification of this species off Ireland’s coast took place around 114 years ago. The whale sighting was verified by the New England Aquarium, which has the North Atlantic Right Whale Photo ID catalog.

How did the North Atlantic right whale become endangered?

The NOAA Fisheries said that Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes are the leading causes of North Atlantic right whale mortality.
Increasing ocean noise levels from human activities are also a problem. The noises might interfere with the North Atlantic right whale’s communication and increase their stress levels.
How to protect the right whales

Report any sightings of injured or stranded North Atlantic right whales and keep a 150-foot distance.

If you find a stranded North Atlantic right whale in Ireland you can call the IWDG hotline.
Found a Live Stranded
Dolphin, Whale or Porpoise?
Call Our HOTLINE
+353 (0) 97 28 118
Copied from the IWDG website