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WHOI researchers capture video of critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale

Wolf & Calf
Wolf (catalog #1703) a 37-year-old female, along with her fourth known calf were seen in Cape Cod Bay on April 8th, 2024. (Photo by Michael Moore/NOAA NMFS Permit #27066, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is releasing NEW video of Wolf (catalog #1703) a 37-year-old female, along with her fourth known calf in Cape Cod Bay on April 8th, 2024.  This pair is one of five mom and calf duos spotted in New England waters this spring.

Wolf and her calf were first seen off the coast of Florida in December of 2023. This calf is one of 19 born during the 2023-24 calving season. Tragically, one calf has already died, and four others are not expected to survive due to a variety of injuries.

Every North Atlantic right whale is vital to the species’ recovery. The species is dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes including entanglements in gear and collisions with boats and ships. There are approximately 360 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet, and fewer than 70 reproductively active females.

WHOI and its partners support a variety of solutions-based technologies, including the use of passive acoustic buoys and On Demand fishing gear, in the protection of the species. Other partners working to protect the species include the New England Aquarium, Whale & Dolphin Conservation, Southall Environmental Associates, and SR3.