Why this year’s right whale calving season matters more than ever

• Since last year: Protections remain in place but face increased uncertainty due to proposed regulatory changes.

Innovation and solutions: expanding tools and partnerships (Grade: B+)

There has been meaningful progress in the use of technology in coordination on reducing speeds to reduce risk to whales. In particular, the application of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is improving our ability to identify areas of concern in near real time and alert mariners when they are in designated slow zones.

Efforts to expand AIS coverage, including through lighthouse-based systems, are helping close data gaps in coastal regions where whale presence and vessel activity intersect. These advancements support more informed decision-making and more effective protection measures.

• Since last year: There has been clear growth in the application of AIS and in cross-sector collaboration to address vessel strike risk.

What this season shows-and what comes next

This year's calving season demonstrates that recovery is possible when the right protections and solutions are in place. The birth of 23 calves is a clear signal that cross-sector collaboration is making a difference.

But this progress is fragile. Vessel strikes and entanglement remain persistent threats, and proposed changes to the core vessel speed regulation risk weakening protections at a critical moment.

The path forward is clear. We must strengthen, not scale back, the measures that are already working. That means maintaining effective vessel speed protections, expanding the use of technologies like AIS to work in concert with a reduction of speeds, and continuing to invest in solutions that reduce human-caused harm.

This year has shown what is possible. The next step is to ensure that this progress continues.