For years, spring has signaled the return of North Atlantic right whales – one of Earth’s most endangered species – to Cape Cod Bay. Fewer than 450 North Atlantic right whales remain, including just over 100 breeding females. One account describes the death of 29 right whales in Cape Cod Bay on a single day in 1700. About 85 percent of all North Atlantic right whales bear entanglement scars, and the problem now causes an average of 3.25 deaths and severe injuries per year. “My thinking is, the right whales have the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act in their favor,” Haviland said.

Source: National Post April 20, 2018 18:56 UTC