New research finds that North Atlantic right whales with severe injuries are more likely to die than those with minor ones, making entanglements the leading cause of serious injury and mortality in the critically endangered species. The research underscores the urgent need for changes to the fishing industry as the species, with an estimated population of less than 350 individuals, faces extinction. The study, published in Conservation Science and Practice, also found that sub-lethal effects on reproductive success are more pronounced than previously recognized. Read more…