There are fewer than 500 North Atlantic right whales remaining-- this means they are close to extinction.
Did you know...
YOU can help! More than 70% of Right whale deaths are caused by humans, so that means there are many ways we can help out.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation, or WDC, are working with SEA LIFE to help campaign to have legislation in place to protect these creatures. The campaign will launch on World Ocean's Day (June 8th), and will go until October. When you come visit SEA LIFE beginning June 8th, there will be post cards available in the aquarium to sign the petition-- a simple signature can help save the lives of these beautiful creatures!
What are Right whales?
Found on the WDC website, Right whales usually swim along the east coast of the United States and Canada. They spend much of their time near bays, peninsulas, and in shallow coastal waters. Right whales, also known as Eubalaena glacialis, got their name by being considered the "right" whales to hunt because they are slow moving and coastal. They have a smooth back and no dorsal fin, and when they exhale, they create a V-shaped blow.
So what are the top three threats for these North Atlantic giants?
According to the WDC website, the top threats include:
1) Vessel Strikes
2) Fishing Gear Entanglements
3) Habitat Degradation
These can all be prevented, and by signing the petition, we will be one step closer to saving the Right whales!
For more information on Right whales, or to donate to WDC, please visit http://actrightnow.whales.org/
