North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) was extensively hunted by whalers from the 11th century through the beginning of
the 20th century, resulting in a current estimate of approximately 350 individuals, making it one of the most endangered large mammals. Despite over 60 years of international protection, the North Atlantic right whale has shown little to no signs of recovery and is hovering
on the brink of extinction.

The two primary factors identified as preventing the recovery of this species are:
(1) mortality due to anthropogenic factors (ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear).
(2) low birth rate (three times lower than its known potential).

There are currently intensive efforts to reduce mortality due to anthropogenic factors. However, the factors causing the low birth rate are unclear, but hypotheses include extrinsic factors such as habitat disturbance, food availability and pollution, and intrinsic factors such as reduced genetic variability and inbreeding.

[Figure 1] Image of a gel showing the profile of ten whales at a microsatellite locus.

At the Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre at Trent University, we have an archival right whale tissue and DNA bank that currently contains samples from over 75% of the population.
The genetic analyses that we perform are based on individual-specific genetic profiles that consist of:
a sex-specific molecular marker; sequence analysis of the mitochondrial control region; genotype analysis at microsatellite loci; and sequence analysis of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

In addition, we have created an archival right whale genomic library to facilitate the identification and isolation of new molecular markers. We are constantly updating and adding molecular markers to the individual-specific genetic profiles to facilitate high resolution of analyses and a better understanding
of these whales.

Our laboratory is part of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. The Consortium functions as a platform for the sharing of data and formation of collaborations between researchers studying different aspects of the North Atlantic right whale. The objective of the Consortium is to maximize the information obtained from different aspects of right whale research, and to facilitate the incorporation these data
into conservation efforts.

For further information please contact Tim Frasier or Brad White at the NRDPFC.

The agenda and abstracts for the upcoming meeting has been posted at www.rightwhaleweb.org.

The November 2008 issue of the Right Whale News is available on our website at the following link.
www.gepinstitute.com/RWN_November_2008.pdf

If you cannot open this link, go to our website - www.gepinstitute.com - and open the current issue at the Right Whale News tab.

Right Whale Consortium: Installation of EG# 1909 and fetus at the New Bedford Whaling Museum