https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/03/north-atlantic-right-whales-most-calves-since-2015

• Scientists caution high death rate is outpacing births
• Population of whales estimated at around 360

AssociatedPressinBostonSat 3 Apr 2021 12.47 EDT

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North Atlantic right whales gave birth over the winter in greater numbers than scientists have seen since 2015,an encouraging signfor researchers who became alarmed three years ago when the critically endangered species produced no known offspring at all.

Survey teamsspotted 17 newborn calves swimming with their mothers between Florida and North Carolina from December through March. One calf died after being hit a boat, a reminder of a death rate experts fear is outpacing births.

The calf-count equals the combined total for the previous three years. In a dismal 2018, scientists saw no births for the first time in three decades. Still, researchers say greater numbers are…