WDC is following and documenting the progress of a newborn calf and mother in the waters of Plymouth harbor in the United States. The calf is estimated to be less than a few weeks old. This is the first sighting of a right whale mother and calf in Cape Cod Bay in 27 years, and possibly only the second calf born in the north east (they are typically born off Florida, Georgia, South Carolina).

Since WDC team members first saw the calf and mother, we have been actively monitoring them as they stick very close to the shoreline off Plymouth.  WDC is currently working with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – the US government agency that is responsible for the oceans), the State of Massachusetts authorities, the New England Aquarium and Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.

More on North Atlantic right whales.

Photo by WDC under Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies NOAA permit #14063