HALIFAX — A call by a group of Democratic senators who argue a U.S. agency should audit the job Canada is doing to protect endangered whales is drawing a cool reaction from an American scientist who promotes their conservation. The 11 senators, led by Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, cite the dire status of North Atlantic right whales as a reason to put some pressure on Canada. There are only about 450 of the right whales left and through the past year they suffered 17 deaths, with 12 of those in Canadian waters. Preservation of the right whale ignited conservation groups and marine scientists in the past year because of all the deaths, coupled with low fertility. Kate Brogan, a spokeswoman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said the agency is looking into the senators’ request for a review.

Source: National Post May 01, 2018 19:23 UTC