there are less than 100 breeding North Atlantic right whale females; the species is at risk of extinction
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Proposed Pot/Trap Fisheries Regulations to Help Save North Atlantic Right Whales Available for Public Comment
Multiple species of whales live and migrate through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coastline of Virginia. Several are on the list of threatened and endangered species, ad protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Greatest threats are collisions with ships ("ship strikes"), entanglement in fishing gear, and underwater noise pollution that disrupts communications between whales. Offshore wind farms may also become a challenge.
There are only about 400 North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) still alive on Earth, with less than 100 breeding females. To reduce the risk from ship strikes to migrating whales, most vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in the Seasonal Management Area designated off the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay btween November 30-April 1.1
green dots show right whales known to be off the coast of Virginia between March 28-April 11, 2024
Source: Whale Map, Latest Right Whale Observations