Scientists Named Each North Atlantic Right Whale 0 10

Scientists have named another 18 North Atlantic right whales — a rare species on the brink of extinction. Among the new names are Lasagna, Scorpion, Dandelion, and Athena. This touching tradition helps researchers better recognize the animals in the ocean and draws attention to their protection.

The project was initiated by the New England Aquarium (USA). As Amy Warren, a science programs specialist at the Aquarium, explains, a name helps establish a personal connection with the whale.

"Naming whales is a fun and informal way to bring the community together," notes Warren. "It also allows us to connect with whales on an individual level, learning about their habits and relatives."

Each whale in the population already has its own number in a special catalog. But remembering 380 numbers is no easy task. Bright names, on the other hand, are easily memorable.

The process of choosing a name is a science in itself. It involves members of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium and other research organizations. Names are chosen through ranked voting, and they must be related to a unique characteristic of the whale.

For example, the 20-year-old male Lasagna got his name due to his wavy fins, which reminded scientists of noodles for the dish of the same name. Another whale, Scorpion, was named for the pattern of callosities on his back that resembles a scorpion with its tail raised. Meanwhile, the 14-year-old female Dandelion has scars on her skin that look like a fluffy flower whose seeds blow in the wind.

The Aquarium, in collaboration with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation organization, creates a fun biography in the style of a school yearbook for each "birthday whale." For instance, Scorpion's biography states that his favorite song is "Ophelia's Fate" by Taylor Swift because the lyrics include a line about "a den full of scorpions."

Among other new names is the female Taffy, whose callosity on her head resembles a stretched taffy, and Spectrum, who received a spooky name due to a scar shaped like a ghost. The two-year-old female was named Athena — after the Greek goddess of war — because of scars from entanglement in fishing gear. Interestingly, her mother is named War.

Currently, the population of these whales is beginning to grow. According to the latest estimates, in 2024, their number reached 384 individuals — a 2.1% increase from last year. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the North Atlantic right whale population has increased.

Despite this encouraging trend, the species remains critically endangered. The main threats to them are collisions with vessels and entanglement in fishing nets. Previously, we reported that the number of stranded whales and dolphins has tripled over the past 30 years. Scientists emphasize that continuous and strict protective measures are necessary to save these unique animals. By giving whales names, researchers hope that people will become more interested in their fate and help preserve them.