Scientists Record 1st North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Sighting In MA

MARSHFIELD, MA — Local scientists have officially recorded the first North Atlantic right whale calf sighting in Massachusetts waters this year.

Center for Coastal Studies aerial observers spotted the North Atlantic right whale mother with her calf just north of Marshfield, marking the first calf sighting in Massachusetts waters in 2024.

"The right whale mother was identified as Legato (EgNo 1802). Legato is 36 years old and the daughter of Staccato (EgNo 1014). Legato gave birth to her calf in December, and the two whales were first sighted together by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute on New Year’s Eve," officials said, in a news release.

They explained that whales move to the coastal southeast in the winter to have calves before migrating north to New England and Canadian waters later in the year. So far this year, researchers have already observed 123 individual right whales in Cape Cod Bay.

“Cape Cod Bay is a very significant place for right whales to bring their calves. Here they find protected, calmer waters, and an abundance of food. It must be a relief, no wonder they hang out here for days or weeks,” said Charles “Stormy” Mayo, Director of the Center’s Right Whale Ecology Program.