North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Added to Unusual Mortality Event After Fishing Gear Entanglement

A North Atlantic right whale (NARW) calf, first documented in an aerial survey by the Center for Coastal Studies in April 2025, has been officially included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ongoing Unusual Mortality Event (UME) following its troubling entanglement in fishing gear.

Entanglement Discovery

NOAA Fisheries reported that the calf, known as both NARW #2460 and “Monarch,” was observed entangled off Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, on January 17. The young whale was seen with fishing line wrapped around its tail and fluke, and it was towing a buoy approximately 30 feet behind.

Efforts were initiated to recover some of the entangled gear, but while progress was made, the recovery was insufficient to fully free the whale. NOAA stated, “Scientists are still assessing the severity of the injury.” Once this assessment is completed, the calf will be officially added to the NARW UME.

Understanding the Unusual Mortality Event

The NARW UME was launched by NOAA Fisheries in 2017 following an alarming increase in mortalities recorded in both Canadian and U.S. waters. As of January 5, prior to the recent entanglement event, there were 168 whales documented as dead, severely injured, or in poor health. The main threats identified for these whales are vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

This latest incident coincides with a legal challenge regarding vessel speed limit regulations implemented in 2008. Under these regulations, a seasonal 10-knot speed limit applies to most vessels 65 feet and longer in specific management areas along the East Coast where NARW migratory paths may intersect with heavy vessel traffic.

A boat captain from Florida is contesting the rule after facing a fine for violating it in 2022. Just days before the sighting of the entangled calf, conservation groups filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the speed limit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Erica Fuller, senior counsel at the Conservation Law Foundation, expressed strong sentiments regarding the situation. “Intentionally speeding in areas identified as particularly risky for migrating right whales, especially vulnerable moms and newborn calves, is inexcusable,” Fuller said. “This rule was implemented under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act—two statutes that have proven effective over time.” She added, “Traveling at speeds that could kill an endangered whale cannot be the cost of doing business when transporting your yacht to Miami.”

Critical Population Decline

NOAA estimates that only around 380 North Atlantic right whales remain globally. These whales migrate from feeding areas along the coast of New England and Canada down to Georgia and Florida to give birth. So far this season, the federal agency has identified 15 calves, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures.

Comments (0)