The North Atlantic right whale population is showing some encouraging signs in Canadian waters this year, but federal officials say strict protections like fishing area closures remain essential.
‘We do need to continue to apply measures … to ensure this population recovers’
Thinh Nguyen · CBC News
· Posted: Sep 03, 2026 10:18 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Brett Gilchrist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada says there are positive signs, but North Atlantic right whales remain so vulnerable that even a single death, especially of a breeding female, is a serious risk to the species. (Center for Coastal Studies)
The North Atlantic right whale population is showing some encouraging signs in Canadian waters this year, but federal officials say strict protections like fishing area closures remain essential.
Every year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada monitors key marine regions, including waters around Prince Edward Island and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, for right whales.
When one is detected, it can trigger temporary closures of nearby fishing areas in the name of conservation.
“This year has been a relatively positive year,” Brett Gilchrist of DFO told Island Morning host Wayne Thibodeau.
This story was brought to Nouzie by RSS. The original post can be found on https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-north-atlantic-right-whales-2026-season-9.7330628?cmp=rss
