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Right Whales Spotted Off Steamship Authority Ferry in Nantucket Sound
Half the known population of the North American right whale was spotted in Massachusetts waters last year. This past Sat., 113 whales were documented in Cape Cod Bay.
The annual migration of the North Atlantic right whale in Cape Cod Bay is underway.
On Saturday, while traveling to Nantucket and back on the Iyanough, passengers, myself included, were treated to an impromptu whale watch.
These photos were taken by Nantucket pilot George Riethof near Great Point on Nantucket. Click here to view more of Riethof's photos of these rare whales.
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According to the state's Executive Office of Energy and Enviornmental Affiars, 113 right whales were documented in Cape Cod Bay on April 27.
The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whales in the world, with a population of approximately 550.
Find out what's happening in Barnstable-Hyanniswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They are expected to be in our waters until the end of the week.
"For the safety of both mariners and whales, boaters in the Cape Cod Bay area are strongly urged to proceed with caution, reduce speed, and post lookouts to avoid striking these highly endangered whales," stated EOEEA in a press release.
Please report all sightings of right whales immediately. Call the NOAA Fisheries Hotline at 866-755-NOAA (or hail the Coast Guard on Channel 16). For more information, visit the DMF website at http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries or contact Erin Burke — erin.burke@state.ma.us or 978-551-0152 or Dan McKiernan — dan.mckiernan@state.ma.us or 617-626-1536.
Were you out on the water this past weekend? If so, did you happen to snap a photo of the whales? Upload your photos to this story.
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