Right Whale Migration Update: April 23, 1997

Greetings from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary--

Whales seem to be popping up in the waters off the Massachusetts coast, but we haven't had too many really nice days for observation. In addition, the sites where whales have been seen are quite a distance from shore -- usually a two hour trip or more.

I spoke to several right whale researchers this past week and they've given me an update on sightings. It seems that possibly as many as five mother-calf pairs have been seen -- either from the SHEARWATER (a research vessel from the Center for Coastal Studies), the New England Aquarium's airplane overflights, or the U.S. Coast Guard/National Marine Fisheries Service helicopter patrols. (Additional sightings have come in from other research institutions, some whale watch vessels, and state environmental enforcement patrols.)

Phil Hamilton from the New England Aquarium reports that Staccato and her calf were seen (but not recorded down south). #1013 was seen early in the season down south and is now up north. #1704 (also known as Knotty Head) was seen with her calf as was #1622.

Marilyn Marx of the Center for Coastal Studies, considered to be an expert in right whale identification, noted that most days' sightings have numbered five whales or fewer -- and most of these whales have been widely scattered. In addition to the previously mentioned mother-calf pairs, other recently identified whales are: #1802 (possibly an adult female); 1427 (an adult male); 1268 (a seldom seen adult female); and 2135 (a six-year-old male). A satellite tag was attached to 1268, but unfortunately, it did not work. (Cetacean research can be very frustrating -- not only is it difficult to get close enough to make observations and attach equipment, but very often the marine environment proves to be too harsh for the equipment.)

Surveys in Cape Cod Bay continue to be negative -- indicating the whales have moved on. They are still being seen on or near Wildcat Knoll outside Massachusetts Bay in the Gulf of Maine and occasionally in the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary (one right whale was seen swimming among a group of humpbacks on the southwest corner of the Bank, according to one whale-watching vessel). Recently, more whales have been seen in the Great South Channel to the southeast of the outer arm of Cape Cod.

The Center for Coastal Studies has also been doing plankton sampling in conjunction with some of its right whale location and identification surveys. They have seen both surface and subsurface feeding, with most subsurface dives lasting about 10 minutes. Vertical plankton sampling has shown subsurface blooms to be at about the 12 meter (40 feet). The heavy concentrations of zooplankton appear to be Calanus finmarchicus (the largest local species of copepod).

The Phaeocystis bloom I mentioned in my last report seems to have subsided (this appears to be a regular and short-term phenomenon). But the whales are not expected to return to Cape Cod Bay. At this time of the year they are usually seen in the Great South Channel.

For your information, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has instituted regulations that require a 500 yard distance from right whales under the Endangered Species Act. This means that boats, aircraft or any other vehicle or individual cannot intentionally approach within this distance. Vehicles must steer away from a right whale if they should come upon it. The only exceptions to this rule are: if a course change may result in a dangerous situation (e.g., heading into shoal water or into the path of another vehicle); if the vessel is permitted by the NMFS for investigation of entanglements or to attempt a disentanglement or for permitted research activities. Fishermen dragging or setting gear are also exempted. NMFS is also encouraging boaters to notify its Early Warning Network about the presence of any right whales they encounter in their travels.

Further, NMFS is proposing new fishing gear restrictions for waters from Maine to Florida (timed to coincide with the presence of right whales in those waters). The restrictions would apply to lobster pots and gill nets.

That's all for now. This is Anne Smrcina from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary signing off for this week.

The Next Right Whale Migration Update Will be Posted on May 7, 1997.