The sighting of a North Atlantic right whale calf in Massachusetts is an encouraging development for a species that is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 whales remaining. Scientists monitor the calving season closely to assess the population, which includes only about 70 reproductively active females. The calf was spotted with its mother, Nauset, who has faced numerous threats, including entanglements and vessel strikes. This sighting, reported by researchers from the Center for Coastal Studies, highlights the ongoing struggles of these whales and the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.
We were on our final track line of a busy survey day, when we spotted a pair of whales about a mile south of us. As we approached to document them, we knew we had to move quickly due to rising winds, which were nearing the upper limit of our survey parameters.
Then to our surprise, a relatively small animal surfaced, and our initial confusion quickly turned to excitement when we realized this was our first right whale calf of the season!
Nauset, a 31-year-old mother identified by her callosity pattern, has had five calves, two of which are presumed dead, highlighting the challenges faced by right whales.
The North Atlantic right whale population is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining and only about 70 reproductively active females, making sightings of new calves crucial.
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