Humpback whales may be struggling to breed as climate crisis depletes food

Scientists say decline in calves born in past 15 years due to diminishing herring stocks in warming north Atlantic

Humpback whales could be struggling to breed due to rapid environmental change in the ocean caused by the climate crisis, a study suggests.

Scientists have confirmed a significant decline in the number of calves born to female humpbacks over the past 15 years in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada, an important summer feeding ground for migrating whales. They said the climate crisis has led to rapid sea temperature and sea level rise in this area of the north Atlantic, with knock-on effects for the ecosystem that include decreasing numbers of herring, a vital food source for humpback whales.