New England Aquarium IDs right whale found dead off Virginia

"The New England Aquarium has identified a North Atlantic right whale found dead off Virginia as a 3-year-old female - the second right whale death detected in just two weeks, marking another significant loss for the critically endangered species. The whale's remains were reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Feb. 10 after washing up on a barrier island off Virginia's Eastern Shore."

""To say that this death is disheartening, particularly so soon after the death of Division two weeks ago, would be an understatement," said Heather Pettis, senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center. "This young female was seen in October with no sign of injury or compromised health. We are hopeful that an examination of the carcass will provide insights into her cause of death.""

"Her mother, a 25-year-old whale named Porcia, has given birth to three calves - all of whom have now died. The previous two were killed in fishing gear entanglements. Her grandmother, Mantis, now more than 40 years old, has given birth to eight calves and was most recently spotted with a new calf in December. An aunt, Squilla, was also sighted with a newborn this season."

A 3-year-old North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Virginia and identified by the New England Aquarium. The remains were reported to NOAA on Feb. 10 after washing up on a barrier island off Virginia's Eastern Shore. NOAA Fisheries and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network will examine and necropsy the carcass to determine cause of death. The death follows the Jan. 27 discovery of a 4-year-old male named Division who died after entanglement in fishing gear. The young female's family history includes multiple calf losses, underscoring severe reproductive and survival challenges for the already very small population.

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