North Atlantic Right Whales Gather in Unprecedented Numbers off New Hampshire Coast
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In a remarkable display of nature, more than 15% of the global population of North Atlantic right whales have been observed congregating off Jeffreys Ledge, east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This critically important gathering has prompted authorities to establish a slow zone for boaters in the area.
The New England Aquarium’s aerial survey team reported spotting at least 70 individual whales on Sunday alone. Orla O’Brien, who leads the aerial survey program, noted that over two days of surveying, they estimated around 75 unique whales were present. “For these waters and this time of year, it’s an remarkable number,” O’Brien remarked.
A Haven for Marine Life
Jeffreys Ledge is renowned as a productive marine habitat and has historically attracted smaller groups of right whales during the fall months. however, this year’s congregation is unprecedented in size. According to O’Brien, while these whales are not typically social creatures that travel in packs, they might potentially be responding to similar environmental cues or signals from other whales.
Risks and Precautions
The National Oceanographic and atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has raised concerns about the presence of fixed fishing gear near the whale aggregation site. The proximity poses a high risk for entanglement—a significant threat to these critically endangered animals.
- Mariners are advised to reduce their speed to no more than 10 knots when navigating through this area.
- Approaching within 500 yards of a right whale is prohibited under federal law.
“Boaters must exercise caution,” NOAA emphasized in its proclamation regarding potential collisions or entanglements with feeding whales.
The Impact of Climate Change
This unusual gathering also highlights broader environmental changes affecting marine life patterns due to climate change. warmer waters and shifting currents in the Gulf of Maine are altering traditional migratory routes and behaviors among species preyed upon by right whales. These changes underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts as advocated by experts like O’Brien: “The new normal means seeing them appear unexpectedly.”
A Call for Broader Protections
The sighting at Jeffreys Ledge underscores an urgent need for comprehensive regulations aimed at reducing risks across various regions frequented by these majestic creatures. As O’Brien pointed out: “The presence of such large numbers shows us we’re not always prepared.”
