Urban Whale

The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads By Scott D. Kraus and Rosalind M. Rolland Harvard University Press, 2009 In 1980, a remarkable sighting in the Bay of Fundy sparked a new era of research into the North Atlantic right whale. For centuries, scientists believed this species was extinct or nearly so. The discovery electrified the scientific community, leading to a quarter century of exploration that is documented here. This book presents our current knowledge about the biology and plight of right whales, including their reproduction, feeding habits, genetics, and endocrinology. It also examines the fatal run-ins with ships and fishing gear that threaten their survival. By employing individual identifications, acoustics, and population models, the authors offer a vivid history of this animal, from its commercial hunting days to the present-day challenges it faces in urban waters. Hunted for nearly a millennium, right whales are now being killed by the ocean commerce that supports our modern way of life. This book offers hope for the eventual salvation of this great whale, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding its conservation.