Aerial observers spot a newly entangled North Atlantic right whale -- only about 380 remain

A June 8 aerial survey located Catalog #5192, a five‑year‑old male North Atlantic right whale, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Shippagan, New Brunswick. The New England Aquarium reported rope was tangled in the whale’s mouth and trailing behind it—a recent entanglement, following a gear‑free sighting on April 21 in Cape Cod Bay.

The population of North Atlantic right whales is estimated at about 380 individuals, making each entanglement critical. Canadian authorities say rescuers will attempt removal if weather allows. The Canadian Whale Institute noted that poor weather has hindered the search, and if found again, responders plan to place a satellite tag on the line to help track it before a potential disentanglement.

Conservationists emphasize the ongoing threats from fishing gear and vessel strikes. The New England Aquarium’s senior scientist Heather Pettis expressed hope that responders can disentangle the whale with minimal harm. The broader context shows that more than 86% of right whales will be entangled at least once in their lifetimes, underscoring the fragile status of this population.