Latest news with #CenterforCoastalStudies
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers stunned after endangered whale gives birth for first time this season: 'Marks a crucial stage'
In an exciting moment for scientists and marine lovers alike, the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the 2025 birthing season was recently spotted off the Massachusetts coast, the Cape Cod Times reported. Provincetown's Center for Coastal Studies had already been documenting the return of the right whale population after their winter migration. It had counted 98 unique whales in Massachusetts, 91 of which were in Cape Cod Bay. Considering that the species is highly endangered — there are fewer than 400 left in the entire world — the sight of the calf was particularly encouraging. "The first sighting of mother/calf pairs in Cape Cod Bay each season is always an exciting moment that brings hope for the species," Dr. Daniel Palacios, director of the Center's Right Whale Ecology Program, said in a release. "Their presence confirms successful calving in the southeastern U.S. during the winter months and marks a crucial stage in the calves' early development." This particular calf and its mother were first observed in December off the coast of Georgia, and it's one of only 10 calves identified in the 2025 calving season. "It's always reassuring to know they've made the hazardous journey from the southeastern U.S. coast safely," said Ryan Schosberg, a researcher at the center. To keep the calves safe and healthy, researchers urge the general public and boaters to respect their space and keep their distance. The biggest threats to right whales are all human-made, from becoming tangled in fishing gear to being struck by fast-moving boats. For that reason, Massachusetts has imposed speed limits on boats traveling through coastal waters and made it illegal to get within 500 yards of a North Atlantic right whale. In other areas, stringent protections have made the difference between extinction and survival for other endangered species. Bans on hunting saved species like blue whales and sea otters from going extinct; habitat conservation and breeding programs have enabled the survival of many additional species, from the peregrine falcon to the American bison. Allowing every species to flourish is critical for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy, functional ecosystem. From the clean air we breathe to the food we eat, we depend on biodiversity for our basic life functions. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Boston Globe
22-04-2025
- Science
- Boston Globe
Low number of right whale births this season worries scientists at the New England Aquarium
Three females gave birth for the first time, offering some hope for the Advertisement Three of the new mothers have prominent scars from being struck by vessels, according to Amy Warren, the Anderson Cabot Center's scientific program officer. 'These injuries are a harsh reminder of their daily threats and an additional hurdle to overcome on their journey to motherhood,' Warren said in the statement. At least seven of the 11 mother-calf pairs have been seen in Massachusetts waters this spring, the aquarium said. An aerial survey team from the Center for Coastal Studies discovered the 11th mother of the season, named Monarch, on April 17 in Cape Cod Bay, the Aquarium said. A 44-year-old right whale, known as Grand Teton, mothered another calf this season, at least her ninth calf overall. Grand Teton is one of an estimated 70 reproductive females remaining in the population, scientists said. Advertisement 'Whales like Grand Teton give me hope for the species,' Hamilton said. 'She has been calving for over four decades, and unlike the majority of the population, remains relatively free of scars from past entanglements. The future of the species hangs on females like her.' Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New right whale calf spotted in Cape Cod Bay
BARNSTABLE, Mass. (WPRI) — Researchers with the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) documented something they don't normally see in Cape Cod Bay on Thursday: a North Atlantic right whale calf that hasn't been spotted before. The CCS announced that the baby and it's mother, named Monarch, were spotted about two miles north of Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable with a large group of whales feeding. MORE: Endangered right whale seen tangled in Cape Cod Bay 'It's very rare to be the first to document a new calf in the population when outside of the typical calving habitat, so this was a truly rewarding moment for our team.' said CCS aerial observer Ryan Schosberg. This observation marks the sixth sighting of a right whale calf in Massachusetts waters this winter and spring. Researchers have documented 11 right whale calves born this season. The additional baby is a hopeful sign for the critically endangered species. There is an estimated 372 North Atlantic right whales left. Schosberg told 12 News that in the last week, more than a quarter of the entire right whale population was believed to be in Cape Cod Bay. The CCS said ship strikes in entanglements continue to pose serious threats to right whales. 'This discovery is a bright spot in what remains a challenging conservation situation for North Atlantic right whales,' said Dr. Daniel Palacios, director of the CCS Right Whale Ecology Program. 'Thanks to the sharp eyes and deep knowledge of our aerial observers, we've confirmed a new mom-calf pair — an encouraging sign for a species fighting to survive. Every calf matters.' Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare Pod of Endangered White Whales Off MA Coast Has People Concerned
There are so many reasons to visit the coast, whether you're enjoying a beach day with your dog or soaking in the charm of coastal towns. Some folks even book excursions to see coastal and marine wildlife like dolphins and seals! The ocean is full of mystery and wonder, and there's so much to see. Many people enjoy whale watching along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. However, one pod of whales off the coast of Massachusetts has raised concerns among researchers. Marine biologists have been monitoring this pod of rare North Atlantic right whales for an extended period, but it wasn't until they were observed feeding on zooplankton near Cape Cod Bay on April 15 that scientists became worried. As wonderful as it is to see a healthy pod of endangered whales, researchers are justified in being concerned about the calf seen tangled in fishing debris. According to the Cape Cod Times, this 5-year-old whale calf, called #5110, has been dragging around the fishing gear since December, but they believe it's only a matter of time until the pieces in his mouth trap him or prevent him from feeding himself. "It's incredible to hear about the right whales spotted off Cape Cod," commented a TikTok user named Lana. Hopefully, the calf gets the help it needs soon. The preservation of these whales is so important."You can say that again! Right whales (not to be confused with the Beluga whale, which is also nicknamed 'white whale') are an endangered species of Atlantic whale with fewer than 400 individuals still alive worldwide. Fishing gear entanglements are the leading cause of death for this rare species, so stories like this one are all too common. On April 10, the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts, was able to remove some of the entanglement around calf #5110. However, the majority of it remains, and it poses a potentially fatal threat to the young whale. Fortunatley, researchers are preparing to approach the calf again as soon as New England weather clears up. As bittersweet as this sighting may be, researchers' diligence could be the difference between life and death for this endangered calf. Needless to say, the world will be cheering for the best outcome for the calf and his pod. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
86 tons of ghost gear removed from Cape Cod Bay since 2013. Crews pulled up more Tuesday.
A bounty of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear was unloaded at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown Tuesday afternoon. Known as ghost gear, the equipment was recovered in and around Provincetown Harbor by a team from the Center for Coastal Studies' Marine Debris and Plastics Program. The crew started around 7 a.m. and arrived back at the dock after 1 p.m. More than 20 lobster traps, along with fishing ropes and some netting, were found. Since 2013, more than 86 tons of ghost gear have been removed from Cape Cod Bay, according to a press release from the Center for Coastal Studies. The Marine Debris and Plastics Program will continue its work through April. This is the 10th year for the center's ghost gear removal program in Massachusetts. Ghost gear is primarily comprised of plastic, said Laura Ludwig, director of the Marine Debris and Plastics Program, in a phone interview Wednesday morning. Plastic is the main focus of this program, she said. The agency wants to remove the large pieces of debris before it becomes microplastics in the ocean. This is a way to help clean up the ocean, she said. Ghost gear is typically found on the ocean floor, Ludwig said, adding that — despite some misconceptions — it is not the cause of whale entanglements. Entanglements are caused by active fishing gear, she said. "We're providing a service for the fishing industry and the habitat," she said. The program is supported by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program with additional funding from the Bilezikian Family Foundation. On some of the recovery trips, side-scan sonar surveys are used to identify targets in areas identified by fisherman as likely locations to find the ghost gear. They'll be looking for the gear in Cape Cod Bay, Boston Harbor and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. All of the recovered gear will be brought into piers in Provincetown, Boston and Sandwich. The gear will be sorted and documented and, when possible, returned to their owners. Other debris will disposed of by recycling or incineration. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: What to know about ghost gear hauled from Provincetown Harbor Tuesday
