Celebrating Right Whales: The Trials and Triumphs of a Species on Edge

WHO: The New England Aquarium’s Amy Knowlton is a research scientist who specializes in bringing science together with policy issues to help develop effective protection measures for right whales. Knowlton is a member of the Aquarium’s prominent North Atlantic Right Whale team of scientists who have been working to protect these endangered animals for decades.

WHAT: North Atlantic right whales, one of the most endangered large whale species in the world, remain precariously close to the edge of extinction with just over 500 individuals presumed to be alive today. The New England Aquarium’s research team has been documenting the lives of these animals for more than three decades and describing the challenges they face from vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements.

Working to prevent ship strikes and entanglements in fishing gear is of particular interest for Knowlton. Since right whales tend to migrate close to shore from Maine to Florida, they are at particular risk of being hit by ships in one of the country’s busiest corridors. Getting entangled in ropes, lobster traps and other marine gear is also a life threatening problem. Whales can drag this gear for years, which can become embedded in their skin and lead to fatal infections.

Learn about the important role the Aquarium has played in the development of policies to protect these imperiled whales. Hear stories about some of the most famous right whale families followed through multiple generations.

WHEN: The free lecture takes place Wed., April 29 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: New England Aquarium’s Simons IMAX Theatre, Central Wharf, Boston

NOTE: The Aquarium hosts a series of informative free lectures, films, and discussions for the community this spring. The Lowell Institute supports the lectures. Most are available on the Aquarium’s YouTube channel afterward. Pre-registration is encouraged on the Aquarium’s website, http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/programs_and_classes/aquarium_lecture_series/index.php or call 617-973-5200 for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Epstein, 617-269-7171; allison@teakmedia.com