First Right Whales of the Season Spotted in Cape Cod Bay

20170119 EgNo2750 Haley – CSS, NOA Permit 119315

PROVINCETOWN – The first local confirmed sighting of the season of the critically endangered right whale was recorded last week in Cape Cod Bay.

A Center for Coastal Studies research vessel spotted two of them on Tuesday about five miles south of Provincetown, while another five were seen two days later.

Although the species migrates to the location every year around this time, scientists say their endangered state makes sightings increasingly rare.

Cape Cod Bay is a federally designated critical habitat and a location where risk of collision with vessels is high.

Crews are urged to keep a sharp lookout for whales, and to observe the federal law prohibiting approach of a right whale within 500 yards.

Confirmed sightings of right whales are asked to be reported to NOAA Fisheries at (866) 755-6622.