Blue whales sighted off Massachusetts coast in an "unusual occurrence"

The New England Aquarium reported two blue whales about 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard during an aerial survey, and a separate sighting occurred the previous day at Lydonia Canyon. The aquarium said such sightings are rare in southern New England and noted they took place amid changes to federal fishing protections in the area.

Researchers from the New England Aquarium reported sightings of blue whales off southern New England during a recent aerial survey. Two blue whales were seen about 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard on Saturday, and a separate sighting occurred the day before at Lydonia Canyon, about 170 miles southeast of Nantucket. The aquarium said it had not previously encountered blue whales in the southern New England survey area. Past regional sightings include one off Maine in 2023 and one off Cape Cod in 2020. Key details: - Two blue whales were observed about 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard during an aerial survey. - A blue whale was seen at Lydonia Canyon, about 170 miles southeast of Nantucket, the day before. - The western North Atlantic population of blue whales is estimated at about 400 to 600 animals; individuals can reach about 90 feet and weigh over 100,000 pounds. - During the same survey over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, researchers reported more than 300 animals, including three endangered fin whales, three endangered sperm whales, 50 pilot whales and hundreds of dolphins. - The sightings occurred in an area where the federal administration has moved to roll back Obama-era prohibitions on commercial fishing; the aquarium said removing protections could put endangered whales and other species at risk. Summary: Researchers said each sighting gives an important glimpse into blue whale winter and spring movements and that finding whales in two different areas within 24 hours was a first for the aquarium. The sightings coincide with changes to federal fishing protections in the area, which the aquarium has said could increase risks for endangered species. Undetermined at this time.