The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population has ticked up again, according to local researchers who say they’re “cautiously optimistic” about the species.

The updated population estimate for 2024 is 384 — which is a 2.1% increase from the 2023 estimate of 376.

Scientists from the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life and NOAA collaborate to calculate the estimate, factoring in calves born within the last year.

“It’s always a great feeling when we can share positive news about this critically endangered species,” said Heather Pettis, who leads the right whale research program in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center. “The slight increase in the population estimate, coupled with no detected mortalities and fewer detected injuries than in the last s

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