A North Atlantic right whale, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals with an estimated population of only 380, has been spotted twice off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland, and later off Massachusetts Bay, USA. The whale was first recorded near Slieve League in 2024 and reappeared in November 2025, marking a notable first instance of a whale seen in the eastern North Atlantic later spotted in the western North Atlantic.
Experts from the Center for Coastal Studies and the New England Aquarium confirmed the sightings through photo identification, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation for the species’ recovery. The sightings demonstrate not only the whale’s resilience but also highlight the gaps in understanding their habitat and migration patterns. The North Atlantic right whale, which has been historically hunted for its oil, is now found in industrialized ocean areas from Florida to Newfoundland. Researchers emphasize the importance of sightings like this for the survival of the species, suggesting that such pioneering individuals could aid in the population’s recovery.
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