Northern Right Whale
Common Name: Northern Right Whale
Scientific Name: Eubalena glacialis
Description: The North Atlantic right whale can easily be identified by the white calluses on its head, which are very noticeable against the whale’s dark grey body. It has a broad back without a dorsal fin and a long arching mouth that begins above the eye. A baleen whale, it feeds by swimming through a swarm of plankton with its mouth open and the head slightly above the surface.
OSPAR Regions where it occurs: I, II, III, IV, V
OSPAR Regions where under threat and /or in decline: I, II, III, IV, V
What is the latest status ?
The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.
Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List? |  | |
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking? |  |  |
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR? | An implementation report will be published in July 2022 | |
Key message
The North Atlantic Right whale is extirpated in the OSPAR area, with all confirmed sightingattributed to individuals from the very small West Atlantic right whale population. Main direct threats to this species within its extant range are entanglement and ship strikes. It is unknown how climate change will affect Right whales. Chances of a recovery in the OSPAR area are non-existent in the short term.
For more information please see our latest assessment
Geographical Range and Distribution
The species used to occur in the North Atlantic, with currently only a few hundred individuals remaining in the western part of the species range.
For more information please see our latest assessment
Population/Abundance
The western Atlantic population numbers some 400 animals, with at the most 100 reproducing females.
For more information please see our latest assessment
Measures that address key pressures from human activities or conserve the species/habitat
Other relevant competent authorities are IWC, NAMMCO, Arctic Council (CAFF in particular) and IMO.
Other relevant competent authorities are IWC and IMO.
Actions of OSPAR related to climate change and pollution might benefit the species.
For the western Atlantic population (local, national) measures include those preventing entanglement and disentanglement action, and measures with regards to shipping (adjustment of shipping lanes and speed restrictions).
The overview assessment of implementation reporting was not available at the time of publishing this status assessment. Future updates of the status assessment will take implementation reporting against OSPAR actions into account.
For more information please see our latest assessment
