North Atlantic Right Whale

Among the most endangered whales in the world, North Atlantic right whales weigh up to 70 tons, have no dorsal fins, and are dark gray with patches of white calluses on their heads. They often swim in coastal waters, especially during the breeding season. These extraordinary marine mammals skim the surface of the water feeding on plankton. They are essential to their marine environments because they help to regulate and maintain ocean food chains. In fact, whale feces help to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which pulls huge amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.