CAPE COD, MA — The recent surge in sightings of North Atlantic right whales seems like good news for the endangered species – and for the Cape’s avid whale-watchers and whale-watching industry.
But the headlines don’t tell the whole story, as a Cape Cod Times story has revealed.
Yes, it’s true. By April, a total of 23 calves had been documented across the entire population, the largest number recorded in 15 years. Young whales were seen off Massachusetts in March and April.
Scientists estimate there are 384 North Atlantic right whales left on the planet. Their numbers have been decimated, according to research, by hazards including ship collisions and entanglements with commercial fishing lines.
The whales typically give birth in winter off the southeastern U.S., before migrating to feeding grounds near New England and Canada. Cape Cod Bay is one of the busiest spots for the whales during late winter and early spring.
But while this season's traffic in the bay has given hope of the species’ survival, it’s far too early to be confident, the Cape Cod Times story said.
Daniel Palacios, at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, said 2026 figures stand out, but only in the context of what comes next.
The continuation of the whales is still hanging by a thread.
"In all, this is very good news and as long as there are no additional mortalities this year, this will be a 'strong year class' for right whales," he said.
But, he added, "we need many more years like this for the species to have a chance at recovering."
To read the Cape Cod Times article, click here.
Cape Cod whale-watching generates nearly $260 million in local pay and sales each year, according to federal estimates.
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