1st North Atlantic Right Whale Mother And Calf Arrive In Cape Cod

CAPE COD, MA — A North Atlantic right whale and her calf are the first to make their way up to Cape Cod in 2023.

The mother and calf were spotted on March 18 by the Center for Coastal Studies’ Right Whale Ecology Program. According to the organization, the whale is known to them as Porcia (EGNO 3293).

Porcia is a 21-year-old right whale who was first spotted with her calf in late December in Georgia, the organization said.

Spotting and identifying the travel of mother and calf pairings are especially important for right whales, which are critically endangered. The species is protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with only 340 animals remaining.

The right whales greatest threat is being hit by a boat or vessel. Massachusetts has regulations to keep boats from approaching within 500 feet of whales and also restricts speed.

According to the organization, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries places a seasonal 10-knot speed restriction in Cape Cod Bay for vessels less than 65 feet in length. Speed restrictions remain in place from March 1 to April 30, but can be extended if whales remain in the area past that time.

Right whales have been spotted in Cape Cod waters throughout the winter, with the CCS stating that spotting was made in late December 2022 and throughout January and February. The arrival of Porcia and her calf marks the first pairing to arrive in Cape Cod waters for the season.