Right whale mothers and calves spotted off Massachusetts, an encouraging sign

Researchers with the Center for Coastal Studies observed two North Atlantic right whale mothers and their calves in Cape Cod Bay, and federal reporting shows 22 calves this calving season, the most in 15 years.

Two North Atlantic right whale mothers and their calves were seen Monday in the middle of Cape Cod Bay during an aerial survey, the Center for Coastal Studies reported. Researchers said the pair appeared to be heading toward a group of at least 40 right whales that were feeding in the southwest part of the bay. Federal reporting shows 22 right whale calves have been spotted this calving season, which runs from mid‑November through mid‑April. The center said that is the highest number of calves in 15 years and described it as an encouraging statistic. Key details: - Survey: Two mothers and their calves were observed by a Center for Coastal Studies aerial survey in Cape Cod Bay. - Calves: Federal counts show 22 calves reported this season (mid‑November through mid‑April), which the center says is the most in 15 years. - Sightings: More than 100 individual right whales have been seen in the bay this season, including a record 33 sightings in January. - Identified whales: The mothers were identified as Millipede, age 21, carrying her third calf and noted for a propeller scar, and Mantis, first recorded in 1986 and the mother of multiple calves. - Population and threats: There are an estimated 384 right whales remaining, and major threats include ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Summary: The recent sightings add to signs of increased calving and indicate favorable feeding conditions in parts of Cape Cod Bay. Undetermined at this time.