A marine mammal researcher expects more sightings of North Atlantic right whales in Newfoundland waters as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
A ten-year-old female, identified as “Freckles,” never before seen in Canadian waters, was spotted in Conception Bay last week off Long Pond, in CBS.
The animal was positively identified thanks to unique calluses on her head, a common feature of the rare whales.
The entire population of North Atlantic right whales totals just 356 animals.
Because they’re surface feeders, they’re especially vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Marine mammal researcher with DFO, Dr. Jack Lawson, says while rare, North Atlantic right whales are starting to be seen more frequently in Newfoundland waters. Freckles appears to have been drawn to Conception Bay by chasing her favourite food, a small type of crustacean known as copepods.
He says models show global warming is increasing ocean temperatures. Copepods prefer cooler water, meaning they may soon be seen in greater abundance in Newfoundland waters. “Over time, if things go the way they seem to be going, it looks like we’ll see more of these whales here maybe than further south.”
The whale has not been seen since, which Lawson hopes, means she’s safely navigated her way out of the area.
Keep your eyes peeled! Someone spotted a North Atlantic right whale skim feeding at the surface just off Long Pond, Conception Bay on 1 Nov. Lots of copepods in the area. New England Aquarium IDed her as #1408 , "Freckles", born in 2013 and never before recorded in Canada. pic.twitter.com/RmNw9oEytx
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) November 2, 2023
