Squilla, a North Atlantic right whale, gave birth to a calf in January 2021, making the event significant for their endangered species. The calf, identified as 5120, was monitored closely as it swam with its mother along the East Coast. Despite efforts to protect the species, entanglement in fishing gear poses a grave threat to their survival. In August 2022, 5120 was found entangled in ropes off the coast of New Brunswick, eventually leading to her death from chronic entanglement.
Researchers and marine organizations attempted to disentangle 5120 but were unsuccessful, highlighting the challenges in rescuing large wild animals. The entanglements, mainly attributed to lobster and crab fishing gear, not only harm the whales but also impact their ability to reproduce, contributing to the decline in their population. Efforts are being made to implement preventative measures, such as ropeless gear, to reduce the risk of entanglements.
The tragic death of 5120, caused by entanglement in gear marked with purple cable ties from Maine, has raised concerns among lobstermen about the repercussions for their industry. With more than 85% of right whales experiencing entanglement at least once, the impact on their ability to reproduce is a significant concern for the survival of the species. Despite ongoing efforts to protect the North Atlantic right whales, the death of Squilla’s calf serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for conservation measures to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species.
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