1/4th of World’s Atlantic Right Whales Gather Off Cape Cod

There are only about 325 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, and approximately 80 of them have assembled in the waters near Cape Cod.

They have come together to feed on an unusually huge population of zooplankton. The whales normally follow zooplankton from Canada as they are moved with ocean currents down to the Massachusetts coast. This year the extra numbers of zooplankton are attracting a record congregation of North Atlantic rights, which are one of the most endangered species in the world.

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The extensive gathering is the largest documented so far this year. Scientists are surveying the population and their activities. “It’s a pretty special sight in a tiny embankment so close to land,” said Dr. Charles Mayo, a senior scientist from the National Marine Fisheries Science Center. Right whales are protected by law, but they have been dying due to ships striking them, and by entanglements in fishing equipment. This winter five whales were spotted entangled in such gear. Scientists are working with fisherman to make gear that is less dangerous to the whales, and there has been some cooperation within the fishing community. Another cause for hope: in Boston some shipping lanes were revised to provide greater area for whales to navigate without being killed by ships. Speed limits for large ships in Atlantic coastal areas have also helped, because right whale migratory paths cross some of the Atlantic Ocean’s busiest shipping lanes.

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles remarked upon the whale gathering,
“”You can see them cruising . . .with their mouths open. I’m delighted to welcome them back to the Commonwealth.”

Right whales were hunted so much going back to the 11th century that they were nearly driven into extinction. With less 300 to 400 atlantic right whales left in the world, any reasonable person can see why there is a strong reaction to any additional losses or hint of a rebound. Last year about 39 calves were born healthy in the waters off Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. The recent Cape Cod assembly and feeding frenzy almost could be seen as a celebration of life for the critically endangered species.

Image Credit: Right Whale Wiki, Public Domain

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