Australian marine scientists are sounding the alarm: North Atlantic right whales—one of Earth’s most endangered species—face extinction due to fishing gear entanglements. With fewer than 360 individuals left, these gentle giants are in a race against time. 🚨
Why Are Right Whales at Risk?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as critically endangered, and the new study reveals 86% of surveyed whales bear scars from past entanglements. \"Every incident pushes them closer to collapse,\" researchers warn, citing slow reproduction rates and climate-driven habitat shifts as compounding threats.
A Call to Action
Scientists urge immediate measures:
Innovative fishing gear designs to reduce entanglement risks.
Expanding protected marine corridors.
Global collaboration to track whale migrations using AI.
As one researcher put it: \"Saving these whales isn’t just about conservation—it’s a test of humanity’s relationship with nature.\" 🌍✨
