SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — The North Atlantic right whale, an endangered species, has experienced a concerning decline in births this calving season, prompting alarms from scientists and conservationists regarding the potential extinction of the species. With only approximately 370 individuals left in existence, the population has been continuously decreasing over recent years.

The calving season for these whales occurs off the southeastern United States from mid-November to mid-April. It has been noted by federal authorities that for the population to begin its recovery, at least 50 calves must be born each season. Unfortunately, this year's calving season has not met this critical threshold, yielding only 11 mother-calf pairs according to scientists from the New England Aquarium in Boston.

The stark lack of newborn whales emphasizes the urgent need for further protections for the species, as conservationists highlighted in reports. North Atlantic right whales are particularly susceptible to threats such as entanglement in marine fishing gear and collisions with large vessels.

In a report card on the calving season, the International Fund for Animal Welfare has indicated that the whales are also reproducing at a slower pace than in previous years. Factors contributing to this decline include stress induced by entanglements, navigation through heavily trafficked maritime areas, increasing ocean noise, and shifts in the availability of their food sources.

Despite the grim overall statistics, there were some positive developments during this calving season. The New England Aquarium noted that several of the females gave birth for the first time, which brings a glimmer of hope for the population's future. Currently, the North Atlantic right whale population consists of about 70 reproductive females.

Philip Hamilton, a senior scientist at the Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, expressed cautious optimism. He remarked, "With past calf counts ranging from 39 to zero, we never know how any calving season will unfold. While the calf count is relatively low this year, I am encouraged by four new mothers being added to the reproductive pool."

North Atlantic right whales can weigh as much as 150,000 pounds (approximately 45,360 kilograms) and were subjected to extensive hunting during the commercial whaling era. Although they have been under protection for several decades, recovery has been slow for the species.

The situation has been complicated by recent patterns where scientists have noted that the whales strayed from established protected areas in search of food. This behavior heightens their risk of entanglements and collisions. The whales migrate from their southern calving grounds to feed in New England and Canadian waters, where they consume tiny oceanic organisms.

As the plight of the North Atlantic right whale remains critical, ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival. The challenges faced by this species illustrate the complex interplay of environmental changes, human activities, and marine life conservation.