North Atlantic Right Whales Back In Cape Cod Bay

PROVINCETOWN, MA — Cape Cod is known as a home for the endangered North Atlantic right whale, so it's always a stress-easing day when they make their way back to the waters.

In 2024, the whales are officially back in the region.

Researchers from the Center for Coastal Studies spotted between four and seven whales in the bay on Jan. 24 aboard a research vessel that was operating out of Provincetown Harbor.

The whales were observed over four hours and could be seen swimming below the surface. Two right whales were seen feeding at the surface near Wood End Lighthouse and were identified as a known whale named Aphrodite and Archipelago.

Another positive, both of those whales had calves during the last season.

Officials from the center said they would be conducting additional aerial surveys in the coming days — weather permitting — to continue monitoring the right whale population in Cape Cod Bay.