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Entangled Right Whale Spotted in Gulf of St. Lawrence After Cape Cod Sighting
The right whale is seen gear-free in Cape Cod Bay on April 14, 2026 Photo Credit: New England Aquarium, taken under NOAA permit #25739-01 A young North Atlantic right whale observed in Cape Cod Bay just two months ago may now require rescue after aerial surveys detected it entangled in fishing gear in Canadian waters. On June 8, observers working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada spotted the whale near Shippigan, New Brunswick in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with rope caught in
Maris Balsom
3 days ago
Canadian Proposal for 258 Million Investment in Whale Protection Initiatives
Canada has recently put forward a proposal to invest $258 million over 5 years in measures aimed at protecting whales along its coasts. This significant funding reflects growing concerns about the survival of whale populations, many of which face threats from human activities and environmental changes. The proposal outlines a series of actions designed to reduce risks to whales, improve their habitats, and support research efforts. This article explores the details of the pro
Maris Balsom
May 26
P.E.I. Lobster Closures Mount: The Case for Whale-Safe Fishing Infrastructure
Prince Edward Island's lobster fishery faces its second closure in as many months following acoustic detection of a North Atlantic right whale off the northeast coast. Starting Friday, nine fishing grids in the North Lake and Souris regions will shut down for an estimated 15 days — affecting over 100 commercial operators who will lose weeks of productive season in a matter of days. The Cost of Reactive Management The timing underscores the vulnerability of existing management
Maris Balsom
May 22
Rare Two-Toned Lobster Reminds Us Why Ocean Stewardship Matters
A perfectly split "half-and-half" lobster caught off Cape Cod offers a timely reminder: our oceans still hold wonders worth protecting Photo Credit: Facebook - Wellfleet Shellfish Company On April 16, the fishing community got a gift—and a lesson. Wellfleet Shellfish Company, a Massachusetts-based lobster operation, hauled in something extraordinarily rare: a lobster with a perfectly even color split running from its antennae to its tail fan. One side brilliant orange-red. Th
Maris Balsom
May 15
North Atlantic Right Whales Experience Strongest Breeding Season in 15 Years
Georgia researchers document 23 calves as endangered population shows signs of resilience The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population, has experienced a remarkable calving season off the Georgia coast—the strongest year for births since 2009. Survey teams documented at least 23 newborn calves during the 2025-2026 breeding cycle, representing approximately a third of the entire surviving population. A Season of Abundance Researchers from the Georgia Departm
Maris Balsom
Apr 24
Canada's Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy Released
New DFO Strategy Aims to Save Endangered Whales While Supporting Fisheries In a move meant to help protect marine ecosystems and endangered species, the DFO has launched its Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy. This five year initiative prioritizes the protection of whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, while ensuring the sustainability of Canada's fisheries. The strategy, released on February 3, is designed to mitigate the risk of whale entangle
Maris Balsom
Feb 4
North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Numbers on the Rise
Researchers have reported a significant increase in North Atlantic right whale births. With 15 mother-and-calf pairs counted so far this year—five of which were spotted just last week - the critically endangered species is showing signs of resilience. This season's numbers have already surpassed last year's total of 11 calves, offering a glimmer of hope for a species with an estimated population of just 384 individuals. The North Atlantic right whale's calving season, which
Maris Balsom
Jan 8
A New Arrival: Fifth North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Spotted Near Sullivan’s Island
In a heartwarming development for marine conservationists, the fifth North Atlantic right whale calf of the season was recently sighted off the coast of Sullivan's Island. This sighting underscores the importance of South Carolina's waters as a critical habitat for these endangered giants and their newborns. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network has highlighted South Carolina as a vital sanctuary for North Atlantic right whales, particularly for calving. With the species hove
Maris Balsom
Dec 23, 2025
Entangled Right Whale Discovered off Georgia Coast: Crews Remove 300+ Feet of Rope in Multi-Day Rescue
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute/taken under NOAA permit 24359. Credit and permit number required for use. Aerial survey funded by NOAA Fisheries and Georgia DNR. During a routine aerial survey on December 3, teams from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Clearwater Marine Aquarium spotted something alarming roughly 10 miles off Jekyll Island, Georgia — a young North Atlantic right whale wrapped in heavy rope. According to NOAA’s Southea
Maris Balsom
Dec 16, 2025
A Good Start for a Struggling Species: Two Right Whale Newborns Spotted
Less than a week into the North Atlantic right whale calving season, researchers have spotted two newborn calves, signaling a hopeful start for this critically endangered species. The first calf was observed off Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, just one day after American Thanksgiving, alongside its mother, affectionately named Champagne . Champagne, 17, earned her bubbly moniker from the unique markings on her head that resemble frothy bubbles. This is her second known calf
Maris Balsom
Dec 13, 2025
North Atlantic Right Whale swims from Ireland to Boston
Researchers have confirmed a first-of-its-kind discovery: a North Atlantic right whale photographed in European waters has now been spotted off the coast of North America. With only about 384 of these critically endangered whales left, every individual is carefully tracked. So when the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) spotted a lone right whale during an aerial survey east of Boston on November 19 — and couldn’t find it in the catalog — they knew something unusual was going o
Maris Balsom
Dec 8, 2025
Lobster Season Starts Strong in Eastern Passage
In Eastern Passage, N.S., the start of lobster season is off to a strong and promising beginning. One by one, local boats pulled into the wharf Thursday afternoon to unload the day’s catch, including the Double Trouble , which returned after an early morning on the water with roughly 1,400 pounds aboard. On the wharf, Patrick DeWolfe helps move crate after crate from the deck, taking a moment to assess quality as he works. “The harder the lobster, the better the quality,” he
Maris Balsom
Dec 5, 2025
Ashored Wins $200K in TELUS Competition
Three other Atlantic Canadian business owners also walked away with prizes. Written By Peter Moreira https://entrevestor.com/%20home/entry/ashored-wins-200k-in-telus-competition Ocean technology company Ashored Innovation has been named one of five grand prize winners in the national TELUS #StandWithOwners competition, receiving a $200,000 prize package in cash and in-kind services. The Debert, NS-based company was recognized for its development of a “rope-on-demand” fishin
Maris Balsom
Oct 23, 2025
Ashored Named 2025 Grand Prize Winner of TELUS #StandWithOwners
Ashored is thrilled to announce its selection as a 2025 Grand Prize Winner in the TELUS #StandWithOwners program. This prestigious recognition celebrates Canadian businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. About the TELUS #StandWithOwners Program The TELUS #StandWithOwners initiative honors entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada who are driving change and shaping the future. Each year, TELUS
Maris Balsom
Oct 21, 2025
Whale Entanglement Numbers on the Rise, NOAA Reports
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA Fisheries Permit #26919 The number of large whales entangled in fishing...
Maris Balsom
Sep 26, 2025
Rare Lobsters get new lease on life
This summer has brought a string of rare and colorful surprises to the waters and seafood deliveries of New England: several golden and...
Maris Balsom
Sep 23, 2025
Entangled Humpback Whale Freed After Three-Day Rescue Mission
Juvenile humpback whale "Tutu" freed off Vancouver Island - still from video provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada Tutu, a 4½-year-old...
Maris Balsom
Sep 15, 2025
Canadian Fisheries Cleared for Continued Access to U.S. Markets Under Marine Mammal Protection Act
Canada’s seafood sector has secured continued access to U.S. markets after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)...
Maris Balsom
Sep 3, 2025
Ropeless Gear can Save Whales AND keep Fisheries Open
https://www.ashored.ca/post/the-story-behind-1-000-lbs-of-crab-caught-in-zone-19-closed-due-to-north-atlantic-right-whale-sight...
Maris Balsom
Aug 20, 2025
Historic Whale Sighting Off Donegal Coast
On July 15, a North Atlantic right whale was spotted for the first time in more than a century near Sliabh Liag in Donegal. The sighting...
Maris Balsom
Aug 18, 2025
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