One of the rarest large whales on Earth — estimated population of 30 in the eastern North Pacific. Western Pacific population larger (~400).

Native status: Native to North Pacific; critically endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 13–17 m
Weight40–100 tonnes
LifespanWild 70+ years
OrderCetacea
FamilyBalaenidae

§ Encyclopedia

The North Pacific right whale is a very large, thickset baleen whale species that is extremely rare and endangered.

Source: Wikipedia — North Pacific right whale Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive black whale with no dorsal fin; large head with callosities.

Similar species. North Atlantic Right Whale (different ocean). Bowhead Whale (Arctic).

Voice. Up-calls and moans like other right whales.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Copepods, krill, zooplankton.

Behavior. Among the rarest large whales — fewer than 50 individuals estimated in eastern North Pacific. Range overlaps shipping lanes; ship strikes are a major continuing threat.

§ Range

North Pacific (extremely rare)

§ Habitat

North Pacific Ocean

§ Threats

Past whaling, ship strikes, climate change, entanglement in fishing gear.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the north pacific right whale is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support marine mammal monitoring. Reduce ocean noise. Donate to North Pacific Research Board.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • IUCN Red List 2018