Two endangered North Atlantic right whales were sighted off Maryland in one of the East Coast's busiest shipping corridors, prompting concern about the heightened risk of vessel strikes. NOAA warns that vessel collisions and fishing-gear entanglement are the primary threats; about 86% of right whales become entangled at least once. With roughly 380 individuals remaining, officials urge mariners and the public to report sightings from Maine to Virginia at (866) 755-6622.
Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales Spotted in Busy East Coast Shipping Lane — Officials Warn of Collision Risk
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that three potential mothers of the endangered North Atlantic right whale were spotted in late November off the coast of the Carolinas.
Two endangered North Atlantic right whales were observed off the coast of Maryland this month, an unusual sighting given that the location is within one of the United States' busiest maritime shipping corridors. Authorities say the animals' presence in a high-traffic lane raises the risk of deadly vessel strikes.
Why This Is Concerning
Right whales spend much of their time near the ocean surface, making them particularly vulnerable to ship strikes. NOAA Fisheries reports that vessel collisions and entanglement in fishing gear are the leading human-caused threats to the species. An estimated 86% of North Atlantic right whales become entangled at least once in their lifetimes.
Population Status and Recent Sightings
The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered. Commercial whaling in the late 1800s nearly drove the species to extinction, and the species has been protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1970. NOAA's most recent estimate places the population at roughly 380 individuals — about 20 more than in 2020 — marking modest growth for three consecutive years. Despite this, scientists remain cautious because human-caused injuries and deaths continue to impede recovery.
Officials also noted related recent observations: in late November, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported three possible mothers off the Carolina coast, and separate reports included two entangled right whales off Massachusetts. Other recent cetacean incidents mentioned in regional reports include gray whales found dead on a California shoreline and large mass strandings in Australia and New Zealand.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that three potential mothers of the endangered North Atlantic right whale were spotted in late November off the coast of the Carolinas.
Detection Challenges and Safety Advice
Right whales can be difficult for vessel operators to spot because of their dark skin and lack of a dorsal fin. Poor weather, rough seas, murky water, and low visibility further reduce detection chances. Given these challenges and the heavy ship traffic where the Maryland sighting occurred, authorities are urging extra caution from mariners.
What Mariners and the Public Should Do
Authorities ask the public and mariners to report any North Atlantic right whale sightings from Maine to Virginia. Sightings can be reported by calling (866) 755-6622. Slower vessel speeds in known right whale habitat and careful watchkeeping can reduce the risk of collisions.
Sources
This article draws on information from NOAA Fisheries, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and reporting from regional aquariums and conservation groups tracking right whale sightings and strandings.
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