Rates and Potential Causes of Mortality in North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena Glacialis)

A bstract North Atlantic right whale mortality rates range from 2% to 17% over the first four years of life. Sources of mortality in this population include ship collisions, entanglements, and natural causes. A combined analysis of stranding data, entanglement records, and photographic information indicates that approximately one third of all right whale mortality is caused by human activities. Anthropogenic sources of right whale mortality may be a significant factor inhibiting growth in the North Atlantic population.