Which Cetacean Species are Extinct?

There is evidence to suggest the presence of gray whales in the Atlantic during the 17th century. Partially fossilized skeletons dating back to1675 have been found in eastern North America and descriptions contained in reports from different regions support the hypothesis of its existence. This species, which frequented the coasts of Iceland, Europe and North America, was probably hunted to extinction.

The Chinese river dolphin or baiji, a freshwater dolphin endemic to the Yangtze River, may also be extinct since 2006. In 1997, its population was estimated at 13 individuals. Since then, it has not been observed, despite intensive searches. A number of factors such as mortality due to illegal fishing practices (electrofishing), ship strikes, underwater blasting, habitat degradation, dam construction, declining prey populations and pollution are believed to have contributed to its extinction.

Three cetacean species are considered “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The two right whale species of the northern hemisphere are also considered to be amongst the most at risk of becoming extinct. The North Atlantic right whale population was estimated at 300-350 individuals in 2008. Although an increase has been observed in recent years (now estimated at 500 individuals), this may not be enough to support the annual declines which it had previously suffered. Once the most hunted whale, it is now threatened by ship strikes, marine traffic and entanglement in fishing gear. The North Pacific population, which had also formerly been the target of intensive hunting, is estimated at between 300 and 400 individuals. In the 20th century, only 6 observations were recorded. Last year, a right whale was observed on 5 consecutive days, after 60 years without a sighting.

Certain species are found in different parts of the world, but some of their distinct populations are endangered. This is the notably the case of the St. Lawrence beluga. Although belugas are found in several circumpolar regions, it is the populations of the St. Lawrence Estuary, Cumberland Sound, Eastern Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay that are endangered.