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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.
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.
