The deaths of 13 North Atlantic right whales in the United States and Canada this year is being considered an unusual mortality event, triggering an investigation into the cause.
A decomposing North Atlantic right whale carcass recovered from the Edgartown Great Pond Tuesday morning likely died from entanglement with fishing gear, scientists said.
Mariners are asked to reduce speed or avoid waters around Martha’s Vineyard, with more than a dozenNorth Atlantic right whales were seen feeding in waters south of the Island.
Aerial surveys conducted last week spotted a large group of North Atlantic right whales in the ocean south of the Vineyard. Mariners are asked to use caution while the critically endangered whales are present.
Federal officials warn mariners that North Atlantic right whales have been spotted in the ocean south of the Vineyard, and a voluntary vessel restriction zone has been temporarily put in place to protect the endangered mammals.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association said 10 right whales were spotted south of the two Islands on Feb. 24.
Following the sighting of critically endangered right whales last week, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has announced a voluntary speed reduction zone for vessels in a large area surrounding the Vineyard and Nantucket.
Notifying speeding sailors that regulations are in place to protect North Atlantic right whales has been effective in protecting the endangered whales from ship collisions, a new study by NOAA has found.
