The North Atlantic right whale had been found floating off the coast of Elberon, New Jersey, as the NOAA confirmed. For now, the cause of death is still unknown while a secure location for a necropsy is being looked for. This way, NOAA, the Marine Mammal Stranding Centre, and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society hope to learn more about why the rare animal died.
This death report was the first for the species in 2020. However, they have been faced with an unusual mortality event during the last three years with 31 reported deaths. North Atlantic right whales are highly endangered as there are only about 400 left in the world, and only 95 of those remaining are breeding females. The species is still vulnerable to ship strikes and net entanglements, though extensive measures have been taken to protect the declining whale population.
More information about the death of this individual might help in understanding their rapid decrease in numbers and improve protection.
The full article can be found here: https://people.com/pets/endangered-north-atlantic-right-whale-found-dead-new-jersey/
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