Commentary: There’s a benign means of tracking the right whale – let’s use it

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 10, 2023

Endangered North Atlantic right whale populations have suffered serious recent decline (falling by 30% since 2010). About 340 remain. In order to last, whale tags must be shot into the blubber. Damage can be minimized, if not avoided, by aiming for the area behind the blowhole. Satellite tagging funds should be used to develop a long-lasting, biocompatible tag that causes minimal tissue injury. Meanwhile the non-invasive technologies should be ramped up substantially, along with systems to efficiently communicate critical data to stakeholders at sea. ~ Michael J. Moore, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution