right whales

The sighting of more than 75 of the critically endangered whales has prompted federal regulators to issue voluntary vessel speed restrictions.

At least 11 right whales were born this calving season, the New England Aquarium said this week. The number is lower than scientists had hoped, as the critically endangered species faces threats from fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes.

Conservation groups are intervening in a case they say could have implications for current speed rules that are intended to protect North Atlantic right whales from collision with ships.

In a bid to protect North Atlantic right whales from extinction, many scientists are promoting alternative lobster fishing gear that minimizes the risk of entanglement.

It is unusual to see so many right whales off the Maine coast, especially this time of year, but research scientists with the New England Aquarium note that large aggregations have been spotted in several unexpected places over the last 12 months.

The announcement marks a defeat for conservationists, marine scientists and the effort to protect the critically endangered species from extinction.

Scientists believe their return may be due to colder deep water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine this past spring.

The number of North Atlantic right whales increased slightly last year, bringing the population count to about 372 individuals. But a new report from the New England Aquarium and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium offers a cautionary tale.

This summer, the state of Maine launched a research program to learn more about the whereabouts of North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine. The findings could be critical for the future of the state's lobster industry — and in the race to preserve the critically endangered population.

At least three right whales have been killed by ships within the last year, and conservationists and scientists say the population, with less than 350 individuals remaining, can't afford to wait longer for stricter speed rules.