A Newfoundland resident recently sighted a North Atlantic right whale off the southern Avalon Peninsula, where only around 370 of these endangered species remain globally. While leading a bird watching tour near St. Shott’s, tour guide Jared Clarke spotted the whale surfacing unexpectedly. Clarke, familiar with spotting whales, was surprised to see the distinctive callosities on the whale’s head and the absence of a dorsal fin, indicating it was a right whale.
Excitedly, Clarke shared this rare sighting with his tour group, capturing the whale waving its flipper on camera. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans received Clarke’s photos, which showed a potential rope scar on the whale’s head from a previous fishing gear entanglement. Marine mammal researcher Jack Lawson described the sighting as both exciting and concerning due to the challenges of protecting these whales, mentioning the use of visual and acoustic monitoring tools.
The DFO confirmed the last right whale sighting in June and emphasized the need for vigilance in protecting these creatures. Although no fishing closures were necessary following this sighting, the DFO stated specific protocols for potential future sightings requiring protective actions. Clarke encouraged others to remain alert for right whales while out at sea, emphasizing the importance of reporting any unusual sightings to aid in conservation efforts.
