75 Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales Spotted Off Maine Coast

Govind Tekale

More than 75 endangered North Atlantic right whales spotted off Maine coast, representing 20% of global population.

Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Aerial surveys by New England Aquarium scientists documented whales swimming and diving across 10-mile stretch near Jeffreys Ledge.

Photo Source: Watts (CC BY 2.0)

Unusual winter sighting raises concerns as right whales typically appear in smaller groups during fall season.

Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Warming waters in northern Atlantic lead to shifts in right whale habitat use, increasing vulnerability to human activities.

Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Fishing gear presence near whale pod sparks entanglement fears for already threatened species.

Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Previously entangled whale "Nimbus" observed feeding normally, though risks remain high in gear-heavy waters.

Photo Source: Michael Dawes (CC BY-NC 2.0)

NOAA establishes temporary slow zone through January 28, urging vessels to maintain speeds below 10 knots.

Photo Credit: NOAA NMFS SWFSC (CC BY 2.0)

Controversial proposal to limit vessel speeds for boats 35+ feet scrapped by NOAA officials.

Photo Source: Stakhanov (CC BY-SA 4.0)

With only 370 North Atlantic right whales remaining worldwide, population faces critical threats from vessel strikes and gear entanglement.

Photo Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)