Endangered North Atlantic right whales observed in Maryland's busy shipping lane
Two critically endangered North Atlantic right whales were sighted off Maryland this month, a rare occurrence in one of the nation’s most trafficked maritime routes.
In a notable event, two North Atlantic right whales—one of the world’s rarest cetaceans—were detected off Maryland’s shoreline, placing them within a heavily used shipping corridor. Their presence so far south and early in the season is unusual, as the animals typically travel along New England and Canadian waters before moving as far as the southeastern U.S. during fall. With the global population estimated at roughly 380, each sighting carries weight for conservation efforts.
NOAA stresses that collisions with vessels and entanglement in gear account for most mortalities, with about 86% of whales encountering gear at least once. The lack of a dorsal fin and dark skin make the whales difficult to spot, especially in poor visibility. Authorities have renewed calls for boaters to report sightings via a dedicated hotline covering the range from Maine to Virginia.
Why it matters
The sighting highlights the danger that busy shipping lanes pose to a critically endangered species on the brink of extinction.
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