Scientists have counted 39 right whale calves born this year off the southeast coast. That breaks the previous record of 31 set in 2001. According to a story in the New York Times, this is first time in centuries things are looking up for the right whale. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Georgia’s Wildlife Trust intensely monitor the mammals. They say the numbers show conservation efforts have a large impact. Recent changes in shipping practices seem to be preventing large vessel collisions with the whales, and fishing regulations are reducing the amount of whales caught in nets. The mammals have long been protected by the international community. The League of Nations made it illegal to hunt them in 1935 after they became extinct in European waters. Scientists guess roughly 300 to 400 remain.
