Marine protected area is paying off for Canadian whales – The Wildlife Society

Recovery of Northern Bottlenose Whales Highlights Progress Toward Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On December 10, 2025, The Wildlife Society reported encouraging signs of recovery for the northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) population off the east coast of Canada. This cetacean species, severely impacted by commercial whaling in the 20th century, remains listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The recovery progress aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on life below water, climate action, and sustainable communities.

Background and Conservation Measures

1. Species Status: The northern bottlenose whale population on the Scotian Shelf is endangered due to historic overexploitation.
2. Marine Protected Area Establishment: In 2004, Canada established the Gully Marine Protected Area (MPA) around a deep marine trench off Nova Scotia, comparable in size to the Grand Canyon.
3. Reduction of Human Impacts: Following the MPA designation, ship traffic and commercial fishing activities decreased significantly within the protected zone.
4. Improved Marine Conditions: Enhanced oceanographic conditions in submarine canyons have increased marine productivity, supporting biodiversity and food availability.

Significance for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 14 – Life Below Water: The recovery of the northern bottlenose whale population demonstrates effective marine conservation efforts and sustainable management of ocean resources.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Protecting marine ecosystems contributes to climate regulation and resilience against environmental changes.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Although focused on marine life, the conservation of this species supports broader biodiversity goals.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The reduction in commercial fishing and shipping activities reflects sustainable use of marine resources.

Research and Monitoring

Decades of scientific observations, including a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, confirm the positive trend in bottlenose whale numbers. Marine biologist Hal Whitehead of Dalhousie University highlights the role of submarine canyons in enhancing ocean productivity, which benefits the entire marine ecosystem.

Conclusion

The recovery of the northern bottlenose whale population off Canada’s east coast exemplifies the impact of targeted conservation actions and marine protected areas in achieving the SDGs. Continued monitoring and protection efforts are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of this species and the health of marine ecosystems.

References

• Canada Species at Risk Registry: Northern Bottlenose Whale
• Gully Marine Protected Area
• Recent Study on Bottlenose Whale Recovery
• Mongabay Article on Whale Conservation

Image Caption: Northern bottlenose whale numbers were decimated by commercial whaling in the previous century. Jack Lucas/Marine Scotland

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on the recovery of the northern bottlenose whale population, a marine species, highlighting marine conservation efforts.
   • It discusses the establishment of the Gully Marine Protected Area and its positive impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Although primarily about marine life, the article touches on biodiversity conservation, which is relevant to SDG 15’s broader goal of protecting ecosystems and species.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The reduction in commercial fishing and ship traffic in the protected area implies sustainable management of natural resources.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and take action for their restoration.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Population Status of Northern Bottlenose Whales
   • The article mentions the population is “showing signs of recovery” and is still listed as endangered, implying the use of population size and conservation status as indicators.
2. Extent and Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
   • The establishment of the Gully Marine Protected Area and the reduction in ship traffic and commercial fishing suggest indicators related to the area covered by MPAs and enforcement effectiveness.
3. Marine Ecosystem Health and Productivity
   • Improved marine conditions and increased productivity implied by submarine canyon effects can be measured through indicators of ecosystem health such as biodiversity indices and productivity metrics.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wildlife.org