There are only about 384 North Atlantic right whales remaining on Earth. That’s fewer than the number of students living in the Capstone dorm.
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Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, an assistant professor with USC’s School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, studies North Atlantic right whales and advocates for them in the global halls of leadership.
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Most North Atlantic right whales are killed from human causes, like getting hit by vessels or entangled in fishing gear. Without decisive action, this gentle giant could go extinct within the next 100 years.
What she’s saying: “It’s important to recognize that we do have power. I can still ask the hard questions. Those answers can help inform future management of ocean ecosystems. It’s still possible to persuade people at each level to do the right thing.”