Many different types of whales exist in the North Atlantic Ocean. Among these is the North Atlantic right whale. Experts estimate that less than 500 North Atlantic right whales are currently in existence. The North Pacific Right Whale, a relative of the Atlantic right whale is even more endangered with population estimates of less than 50 whales.
The ‘right’ whale gets its name from the booming whaling industry of the 1800’s. The whales were considered ‘right’ for hunting because they are slow moving, provide ample blubber, and spend a lot of time near the water surface. Therefore, the whale population has been decreased to almost nothing.
It is hypothesized that during peak whaling times, right whales were most prominent off the coasts of Britain and Ireland, but the populations moved west in order to survive. Each year mother right whales migrate to the eastern coast of Georgia to northern Florida to give birth.
Other whales living in the North Atlantic Ocean include the beluga whale, the grey whale, blue whales, killer whales and humpback whales. Blue whales are deemed as being the largest animal to exist on earth. Weighing in at around 160 metrics tons, and measuring at almost 100 feet, blue whales are said to be the largest animals that have ever lived on earth.