2 Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales Found Entangled in Fishing Gear Off Massachusetts Coast

Mar. 15, 2025

Two endangered North Atlantic right whales found entangled.Photo:NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries

Scientists have reported that two endangered whales have been found entangled in fishing gear off the coast of Massachusetts.

According to a statement from theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) released on Wednesday, Dec. 17, the two North Atlantic right whales were spotted swimming during an aerial survey approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket, Mass. on Dec. 9.

One of the whales is a juvenile male identified as #5110. According to the NOAA’s report, he was first recorded as a calf in 2021 and most recently spotted swimming freely in Cape Cod Bay, Mass. in April 2024. They describe him as a whale with “a thick line that passes once across his head and once across his back.”

Unfortunately, NOAA Fisheries scientists have determined that the young male meets the “serious injury” case criteria and note that he is “likely to die from this injury.”

A North American right whale entangled in fishing gear.NOAA Fisheries

The second whale is an adult female, age 13, identified as #4120. She was first seen as a calf in 2011, and last seen swimming without entanglements 50 miles off the coast of Long Island, N.Y., in July 2024.

According to the NOAA report, scientists observed “two lines exiting the left side of her mouth, with both lines extending a half to two thirds of the way down the body." They also noted that they do not classify her injuries as fatal.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

However,per CBS News, experts at the New England Aquarium expressed concern about her ability to add to the already struggling population. “This is #4120’s third documented entanglement, which may impact her ability to reproduce,” the aquarium said in a statement.

The NOAA classifies North American right whales as one of themost endangered species of large whaleswith a population of only 370 individuals remaining, including 70 reproductively active females. The leading causes of death for the species are boat strikes and fishing gear entanglement.

Brant Point in Nantucket, Mass.Getty

Getty

“North Atlantic right whales continue to be entangled at levels that could push this critically endangered species to extinction,” senior New England Aquarium scientist Amy Knowlton said in a statement,per CBS News. “Serious injuries and deaths of right whales are preventable and highlight the importance of implementing effective changes to reduce ongoing threats from fishing gear, including broader adoption of ropeless or ‘on demand’ gear and weaker ropes.”

source: people.com