Kiran Morrill

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Marine Science

Advisor(s)

Walter Golet

Committee Members

Sabrina DeTurk, William Ellis, Neil Greenberg

Graduation Year

May, 2025

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a large highly migratory marine mammal that inhabits the North Atlantic basin, annually migrating between temperate foraging grounds and sub-tropical calving grounds. Historically, commercial whaling severely reduced the population which has never fully recovered. Their low reproductive rate, threats from vessel strikes, and entanglement in various types of fishing gear have continued to apply added mortality, restricting population growth which is currently below 380 individuals. These whales are considered one of the most endangered species in the world, with considerable state and federal efforts being utilized to increase their population size through the implementation of various regulatory measures. These include numerous regulatory measures for the US American lobster fishery, as well as restrictions on vessels including alerts and speed restrictions. Despite these efforts, population numbers have not increased and in fact have declined in some years. This study discusses regulatory measures and rebuilding plans for the North Atlantic Right Whale population. It examines if or why these measures have worked or have not worked and how existing or new regulations could be modified or implemented moving forward to promote North Atlantic Right Whale recovery.

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