Over 100 Endangered Right Whales Spotted Off New England Coast

It's spring, and that means the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is on the move with new calves following close behind.

Why Right Whales Are Gathering Off New England

"The ocean waters off southern New England continue to see high North Atlantic right whale activity," according to the New England Aquarium, which has documented over a quarter of the species' entire population in the last six weeks.

The Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life conducted six aerial surveys south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket between February 5 and March 18, "to collect data on whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine species."

Record-Breaking Sightings in 2026

The Center photographed over 115 unique right whales during that period.

"On the March 2 survey flight alone, observers sighted over 70 right whales, marking the highest number of individual right whales the New England Aquarium has photographed in a single day since it began survey flights here in 2011," said a statement from the New England Aquarium.

How Many Right Whales Are Left?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates there are approximately 380 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet.

Understanding Right Whale Migration Patterns

"Right whales migrate seasonally and may travel alone or in small groups. In the spring, summer, and into fall, many of these whales can be found in waters off New England and further north into Canadian waters, where they feed and mate," according to NOAA.

Each fall, some right whales migrate to the southern U.S. coastal area where they might give birth to calves.

Efforts to Protect a Critically Endangered Species

Boston.com reported the Marineland Right Whale Project has established a GoFundMe campaign "to fund ongoing research and conservation work." The group hopes to raise $15,000.