Dozens of nearly extinct whales found off the coast of Cape Cod
The Center for Coastal Studies observed 33 out of 384 whales that remain in the world during an aerial survey.
NOAA: Less than 350 North Atlantic Right Whales left in the world
North Atlantic Right Whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. NOAA reports there are less than 350 of them left.
CAPE COD, Mass. - A group of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachussets, on Saturday.
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) observed 33 out of 384 whales that remain in the world during an aerial survey.
"Saturday’s survey may be the highest number of right whales documented in the bay in a single day in January in the history of CCS aerial surveys," CCS said in a press release.
477 WHALES DIE IN 'HEARTBREAKING' MASS STRANDINGS ON NEW ZEALAND ISLANDS
The first sighting of the season was on Dec. 5 when the organization noticed 10 whales in the bay.
Saturday’s observations put the total number of whales seen this season at 54.
Injured North Atlantic right whale 2024 calf of Juno (#1612)
(Forever Hooked Charters of South Carolina / NOAA)
"Most of our sightings in December and early January have been of animals in what we call surface-active groups, but almost all of the whales on Saturday’s flight were observed in shallow subsurface feeding," CCS Aerial Observer Ryan Schosberg said.
The researchers said that the survey was not only noteworthy because of the number of whales spotted in the bay, but a right whale male that is at least 45 years old was seen as well.
This was the first time the whale was documented in 15 years.
2 ENTANGLED RIGHT WHALES SPOTTED OFF COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS
On top of that, the organization observed a calf whale that was discovered during the 2024 to 2025 field season.
"Every calf is a lifeline for this endangered species," Dr. Daniel Palacios, director of the center’s Right Whale Ecology Program, said. "Confirming…a new calf in real time is a powerful reminder of what’s possible through vigilant observation and strong collaboration across the right whale scientific community."
North Atlantic right whale Archipelago and her calf off the coast of Southeast Georgia.
(Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / FOX Weather)
According to the New England Aquarium, the North Atlantic right whale is one of the rarest whale species in the world.
In the early 1890s, commercial whalers had hunted the animal to the brink of extinction, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
They are typically seen off the coast of New England and Canada, but during the fall, they can be found swimming off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida.
NEARLY 100 WHALES DIE FOLLOWING MASS STRANDING ALONG AUSTRALIA’S SOUTHERN COAST
Vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement represent a few of the greatest threats to these critically endangered species, with 86% of the whales getting entangled at least once during their lifetime.
Important efforts have been taken in order to reduce the dangers. NOAA implemented seasonal management plans in the Cape Cod area which limits vessels to 65 feet and long to 10 knots, which began on Jan. 1.
Additionally, restrictions involving vessel speeds for smaller ships and fixed fishing gear go into effect on Feb. 1.