Squilla embraced motherhood with her new calf in January 2021 off the Georgia coast. The pair swam so closely together that they were touching, with the baby playfully rolling around in the water while Squilla joined in, exposing her belly to the sky. As one of only 70 mothers of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale species, Squilla’s daughter represented a new hope for the species’ survival.
The North Atlantic right whales had been slowly recovering from centuries of whaling until their numbers started dropping in 2011. Now, they are one of the most endangered species in the United States due to human causes such as vessel collisions, entanglement in fishing gear, and food scarcity caused by climate change. The stress from these threats has led to fewer calves being born and many reproductive-age females not having calves at all.
Despite the challenges, Squilla and her calf were doing well as they traveled from Georgia to New York and then to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, in August 2022, the calf was spotted with fishing gear wrapped around her tail, posing a serious threat to her survival. Efforts were made to disentangle her, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by right whales.
The entanglement issue is primarily caused by lobster and crab gear, with the use of stronger ropes leading to more severe entanglements. While rescue efforts are made to save entangled whales, prevention of entanglements through better fishing practices is seen as the more effective long-term solution. The loss of Squilla’s calf serves as a reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.