Two North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered species, were recently discovered entangled in fishing gear off the coast of Massachusetts, raising concerns about the future of this already dwindling population. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the discovery on December 17th, 2024, after an aerial survey conducted on December 9th spotted the entangled whales approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of entanglement to these magnificent creatures and underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.
A Grim Prognosis for a Juvenile Male
One of the entangled whales, a juvenile male identified as #5110, was first observed as a calf in 2021. He was last seen swimming freely in Cape Cod Bay in April 2024. NOAA describes him as having “a thick line that passes once across his head and once across his back.” Sadly, scientists have determined that his injuries meet the criteria for “serious injury,” meaning the entanglement is life-threatening. The prognosis is grim, with experts believing he is “likely to die from this injury.”
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A North American right whale entangled in fishing gear. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
A Repeat Entanglement for an Adult Female
The second entangled whale is a 13-year-old adult female, identified as #4120. First sighted as a calf in 2011, she was last seen entanglement-free in July 2024, 50 miles off the coast of Long Island, New York. NOAA’s report details “two lines exiting the left side of her mouth, with both lines extending a half to two thirds of the way down the body.” While her injuries are not currently classified as fatal, experts at the New England Aquarium express concern about the potential impact on her reproductive capabilities. This is her third documented entanglement, a sobering reminder of the persistent dangers these whales face. Repeated entanglements can lead to chronic stress, injury, and reduced fertility, further hindering the population’s recovery.
The Dire Situation of North Atlantic Right Whales
The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, teetering on the brink of extinction. With a population estimated at only 370 individuals, including a mere 70 reproductively active females, each loss represents a significant blow to the species’ survival. Entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels are the leading causes of death for these whales. These human-caused threats make conservation efforts even more critical.
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Brant Point Lighthouse in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The entangled whales were found approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket. Credit: Getty Images
The Urgent Call for Action
The recent entanglements underscore the urgent need for effective measures to protect North Atlantic right whales. Amy Knowlton, a senior scientist at the New England Aquarium, emphasizes that “serious injuries and deaths of right whales are preventable.” She advocates for significant changes in fishing practices, including wider adoption of ropeless fishing gear and weaker ropes that break more easily, reducing the risk of fatal entanglements. These innovative solutions offer hope for mitigating the threats posed by fishing gear.
A Race Against Time
Due to the whales’ distance from shore, response teams were initially unable to launch a rescue mission. However, NOAA is committed to monitoring the whales and working with authorized responders and trained experts to assess the situation and determine if disentanglement attempts are feasible. Time is of the essence, particularly for the critically injured juvenile male. While the fate of these two whales remains uncertain, their plight serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile future of the North Atlantic right whale and the urgent need for collaborative action to prevent their extinction. The survival of this magnificent species depends on the collective efforts of governments, fishermen, scientists, and conservationists to implement and enforce effective protective measures. Every effort must be made to ensure that these whales have a chance to thrive in their natural habitat, free from the deadly threat of entanglement.
