MORNING HEADLINES | The rare North Atlantic right whale, which migrates through South Carolina waters annually to calve in the waters of Georgia and Florida, now has an estimated population of 384 animals — up eight whales. The 2% increase in the whale population is part of a slow growth trend over the last four years, according to the Associated Press.
“Scientists, while cautiously optimistic, said threats including entanglement in fishing gear, climate change and low birth rates still loom over efforts to save the animals from extinction,” according to a WBUR story this morning.
Heather Pettis, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium who chairs the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, contributed to the annual data project with the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
“ Keeping focused, not taking our foot off the gas on making sure that whales are protected throughout their range — that’s what this population needs,” she told WBUR.
In November 2023, the City Paper reported the survival of the endangered North Atlantic right whale population hinged on less than 100 breeding females that journey south along the East Coast every year, but federal protections were still in limbo.
Two breeding females were spotted off the coast of the Carolinas in November 2023, renewing optimism that the species can still be saved from extinction.
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In other recent news
CP OPINION, McCorkle: The immigration hypocrisy of McMaster, Graham. “In theory, the Republican Party is supposed to stand for freedom, small government, low taxes and local control. But what we saw earlier this month with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham seeking to pressure local sheriffs’ offices and jurisdictions to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is almost unbelievably ironic in light of these supposed conservative values. “
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Out-of-state vets brought in to boost pet adoptions. The Charleston Animal Society has brought in out-of-state veterinarians to help spay and neuter animals to encourage pet adoptions.
Brown wins 2 Emmy’s for Food Network show. Lowcountry restaurateur Kardea Brown has won two Daytime Emmys for her “Delicious Miss Brown” television show.
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Election chairman signed off on $32 million budget request. The chairman of the State Election Commission didn’t read the agency’s budget request, including a payment he said was far beyond what the commission approved, according to this new story.
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