Since 2023, the North Atlantic right whale population has grown by 4%, reaching around 372 individuals, but the species remains critically endangered. Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes continue to be major threats, with two entangled whales spotted off Massachusetts in late 2024. In early 2024, NOAA and the Biden administration launched new efforts to protect right whales while supporting offshore wind energy. Additionally, researchers are developing new technologies to prevent vessel collisions and fishing gear entanglements.

In January 2025, researchers spotted two North Atlantic right whales, Grand Teton (44) with her ninth calf, and Check Mark (18) with her first calf off Florida’s coast, offering hope for the species. A U.S. court also reinstated seasonal lobster and crab fishing restrictions - from February 1 to April 30 annually - off the coast Massachusetts to protect right whales from deadly entanglements.

In February 2025, a rare sighting of a North Atlantic right whale mother and calf was spotted near New York City. Right whales typically give birth off the southeastern U.S. coast in winter, making this an unusual and hopeful sight. Scientists see this as a sign that some whales may be adapting to changing ocean conditions. However, they also warn that busy shipping routes and human activity in the area pose risks to the new-found duo. This sighting highlights the urgency for stronger protections to ensure the survival of newborn calves.

North Atlantic right whales have been observed in Cape Cod Bay, marking calving season. And on March 15, researchers spotted a right whale named Nauset (31) with her calf five miles west of Great Island. With only around 70 reproductively active females, this is an extremely encouraging sight.

On April 15, two right whales were spotted near Bimini Island in The Bahamas, which was the first recorded sighting of the species in that region. Earlier, on April 17, whale #2460 (aka. "Monarch") was sighted with her fifth calf in Cape Cod Bay, marking one of only 11 identified calves this season. On April 23, over 60 whales were observed feeding near shipping lanes south of Martha's Vineyard. This prompted NOAA to establish a voluntary slow zone to mitigate ship strikes.

On May  1st, the New England Aquarium reported more than 75 right whales feeding in shipping lanes south of Martha’s Vineyard. This is one of the largest spring aggregations ever recorded. Thus, NOAA Fisheries responded by designating a voluntary Slow Zone. This urges vessels to reduce speed to 10 knots or less in the area to mitigate ship-strike risk. Additionally, Calvin (Whale #2223), who was long presumed dead due to severe entanglement injuries, unexpectedly was spotted with a group, marking her first recorded sighting in nearly three years. On May  19th, the AP reported only 11 mother–calf pairs sighted during the calving season. This is well below the usual around 50 births per season needed to sustain population growth.

On June 21st, a new “Slow Zone” (voluntary speed reduction zone) was triggered southeast of Atlantic City, NJ after a glider detected right whales, remaining in effect through July 6.  The already fragile protections are under pressure: by June 12, a right whale Slow Zone east of Atlantic City (triggered May 28) was slated to expire. 

On June 27 (heading into July), the Canadian government announced stricter speed restrictions in Canadian waters—vessels 13 m or longer must abide by limits in designated areas to reduce collisions with right whales. Around July 24, U.S. Congress was considering a bill to delay new lobster-fishing regulations intended to protect right whales by a full 10 years, which could undermine conservation progress.

NOAA’s “Road to Recovery” page continues to be an active resource summarizing steps and scientific monitoring for right whale conservation. Entanglement threats remain pervasive, as a recent article noted that although entanglements declined for some species, right whales are still among the most threatened by gear entanglement.

Transport Canada’s restrictions on vessel speed and protected areas are scheduled to be lifted on September 26, unless detections of right whales demand extension. Thus meaning the period of extra caution is concretely bounded. NOAA also recently released data showing 95 confirmed large-whale entanglement cases in 2024, an increase from the 64 in 2023, signalling the scale of risk for whales, including our beloved right whales.

The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium announced the 2024 population estimate at 384 whales, which was an increase of 10 from the previous year. This was reported as a hopeful sign but underscored the urgency of continued conservation efforts due to the species' critically endangered status. On October 29, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) scientists presented a comprehensive update of the latest scientific knowledge of North Atlantic right whales, their findings were incredible. Known feeding areas for NARW have expanded to as far north as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This is due to rising ocean temperatures and declines in prey in their traditional feeding areas. They also "found" that the biggest threats to NARW survival and recovery is human activity, particularly vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. This comes as a shock to none. The Gulf of Maine Slocum glider detected the presence of right whales in the area on October 23rd, showing positive tracking efforts. And. for the most hopeful news we could have been given for October, according to the DFO, population projections show that if threats are adequately mitigated, the NARW population can recover to a healthy state in the next 35 to 100 years! This is amazing and such positive news to end off the month!

With there being no significant November news, other than a reminder of the critical levels of endangerment of the species, December brings us a glimpse of more hope. The calving season for 2025/2026 began to show promising signs, with an increase in documented calves compared to previous years, offering some hope for population recovery despite ongoing threats. Continued efforts to remove fishing gear from entangled whales were reported, though challenges remain in both logistics and effectiveness, pointing to the need for more proactive prevention measures.

After no recorded deaths for a year, a tragic event occurred with the death of a young North Atlantic right whale named Division, found 25 miles offshore of Avon, North Carolina after prolonged entanglement in fishing gear. This case drew significant attention to the ongoing threats and sparked criticism of government response time and conservation measures.

“Another whale has died, and the blame lies squarely with the government,” says Nora Ives, marine scientist for Oceana in the United States. “Humans have caused preventable pain and suffering for these critically endangered animals for long enough. What will it take for our elected officials to finally implement solutions like on-demand fishing gear and slowing vessels down to prevent further tragedies like this one? Continuing to ignore this issue will guarantee more right whale deaths. We need urgent action now. Oceana challenges policymakers to right this wrong, stand up for marine life and for the health of our oceans by adequately funding and staffing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), advancing stronger protections for right whales, and supporting bedrock laws like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act before another whale washes up on our coastlines.”

“Despite 2026 starting with the most calf births since 2011, the news of a North Atlantic right whale death is a devastating reminder that this critically endangered species remains on the brink of extinction. After a year with no reported deaths, this loss is especially heartbreaking. With only about 380 individuals left, including just 70 breeding females, every death brings this population closer to collapse." - Hanna Vatcher, North Atlantic right whale campaigner at Oceana in Canada.

Here at Not The Right Whale, we stand with all Right Whales, and are truly devastated by the death of 4 year-old Division. The government surrounding these breeding grounds need to take action. For too many of these whales have, and continue to die because of entanglements, and ship collisions. We don't just want action. We need government action.