Transition pattern changes have complicated efforts to protect the endangered right whale of the North Atlantic.
According to a new study , endangered whales spend more time in Cape Cod Bay off the coast of Massachusetts before moving north, according to the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. ..
This study was published in Global Ecology and Conservation,New England Aquarium stated in a news release, " Investigated. Impact of climate change on the rapidly warming main bay ecosystem . ”
The scientists conducting the survey said that when spring came early, "the temperature at which the right whale is directed toward Cape Cod Bay." We have found that cues occur early, extending the time whales spend in this habitat, "said therelease.
The whale on the right feeds on the small shellfish Kopepod, which was once abundant in Fundy Bay. Later, the whale moved to St. Lawrence Bay to find a source of food and also to Cape Cod Bay.
New England Aquarium research scientist Laura Ganley said that was expected to be "dense" in the early fountain the main food source for right whales. Said that. But she said it didn't turn out to be true.
"The number of correct whales is high and the availability of prey is low ... Unfortunately, the whale's nutritional needs are not met. May be a warning sign, " Ganley said.
She said that knowing about this change in behavior "provides an opportunity."
"If we are not one step ahead and are taking these mitigations to slow down the ship and reduce the risk of entanglement, that will be a problem. "She said.
"That's when you get a high mortality event."
Ganley Global Ecology and Conservation He said thestudy was based on the study published by the New England Aquarium earlier this month. The study, co-authored by Ganley, states that "the peak use of the right whale's Cape Cod Bay has changed almost three weeks later in the last two decades."
'Disappointed'
Campobello Whale Rescue's director Mackie Greene said is a sign that the whale on the right is staying in the south . "I'm disappointed," he said. , "Because it makes rescue operations much more difficult.
"Once you get into the pattern, you can get used to it and know which fisheries are affected and where to focus," Green said. I am.
"When they keep changing their routine, it really makes it difficult."
Green, the whale on the right moves south, He said that expanding the range would increase the likelihood of entanglement.
You may run out of places to go
If the temperature continues to rise due to climate change, there may be no place for whales to go, so while you are worried about migration , Ganley said, It can also be seen from a positive perspective, revealing the ability to adapt to new realities.
"They have the ability to understand'Oh, St. Lawrence Bay, where it should be,'" she said.
"It's cool for me that they have the ability to adapt."