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Scientists will conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of death, marking the second right whale fatality documented in just two weeks.
The New England Aquarium has identified a North Atlantic right whale found dead off Virginia as a 3-year-old female — the second right whale death detected in just two weeks, marking another significant loss for the critically endangered species.
The whale’s remains were reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Feb. 10 after washing up on a barrier island off Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Scientists at the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life determined the whale’s identity using the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog database, curated by the Aquarium.
Her death follows the Jan. 27 discovery of a 4-year-old male known as Division off the coast of North Carolina, who died after becoming entangled in fishing gear.
“To say that this death is disheartening, particularly so soon after the death of Division two weeks ago, would be an understatement,” said Heather Pettis, senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center. “This young female was seen in October with no sign of injury or compromised health. We are hopeful that an examination of the carcass will provide insights into her cause of death.”
NOAA Fisheries is working with members of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to examine and necropsy the whale.
Scientists say the whale’s family history underscores the broader crisis facing the species.
Her mother, a 25-year-old whale named Porcia, has given birth to three calves — all of whom have now died. The previous two were killed in fishing gear entanglements. Her grandmother, Mantis, now more than 40 years old, has given birth to eight calves and was most recently spotted with a new calf in December. An aunt, Squilla, was also sighted with a newborn this season.
“The loss of a young female is especially impactful for an already small population,” said Amy Warren, scientific program officer at the Anderson Cabot Center. “Given the opportunity, a single female could add at least 10 whales to the population in her lifetime.”
Scientists say North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered large whale species in the world, with just roughly 380 individuals remaining, including 72 reproductive females. Entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes are the leading causes of serious injury and death, according to the Aquarium.
The most recent whale death marks the 43rd confirmed mortality in the ongoing North Atlantic Right Whale Unusual Mortality Event, a NOAA investigation launched in 2017 in response to a notable spike in whale deaths and serious injuries.
A spokesperson for the Aquarium said it remains committed to advancing policies aimed at reducing threats to the species.
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