Group of right whales frolics off coast
In the past several years, the aquarium’s aerial survey team has started to document that right whales are spending more time in southern New England waters.
More than a dozen North Atlantic right whales were recently spotted near Nantucket, as members of the critically endangered population travel south from Canadian waters.
The New England Aquarium aerial survey team captured photos of 15 unique whales about 20 miles south of Nantucket earlier this month. They observed a small aggregation of whales feeding and swimming close together.
“In addition to feeding, we saw several right whales making body contact with each other using their flippers, heads, and even rolling at the surface — indicating that these whales were socializing as well,” said Katherine McKenna, research assistant at the aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.
“We also observed several humpback whales feeding near the right whales, which highlights the importance and productivity of the southern New England habitat,” McKenna added.
In the past several years, the aquarium’s aerial survey team has started to document that right whales are spending more time in southern New England waters. Many of the whales photographed this month appeared to be traveling through the area, though the behavior from others indicated they may spend more time in the area.
“Around this time, we think of right whales as traveling south to their calving grounds, but a lot of whales stay in southern New England as well,” said Associate Scientist Orla O’Brien.
The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population has been declining for the past decade. There are now fewer than 400 whales left.