RIGHT WHALEEubalaena australis Eubalaena glacialis Eubalaena japonica So-named because early whalers considered them the "right" whale to catch, right whales were slow, often spotted and easy to harpoon. The long-exploited North Atlantic population was reduced to 50 whales by 1900; today, the number teeters at a mere 300, with another 450 to 950 left in the North Pacific. Southern right whales once numbered 70,000 to 160,000 individuals. Whalers discovered them off the coast of Tasmania at the turn of the 19th century. By 1920, only 300 were left. Today, that number has climbed to 7,000. COMING SOON: The Unmistakable Right Whale: Most whales are sleek by design; the right is bulky, lumpish and infested with callousites. Find out more about these unmistakable animals. COMING SOON: Why They Were the "Right" Whale: These lumbering giants barely stood a chance against commercial hunters. Find out why early whalers were able to exploit them so mercilessly. COMING SOON: Right Whales Today and Tomorrow: Although southern right whales are recovering at a rate of 7%, the northern rights may be on a course to extinction. Find out more. « Back to Meet the Whales Meet the Whales
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