New breeding ground for head whales?

A large number of northern Atlantic Atlantic whales have appeared in the Gulf of Maine in the past few days, making the bull whale researcher at NOAA's Northeast Marine Science Center believe they have discovered the area. winter shelter is also the birthplace for potential for this threatened species.

The NEFSC's aerial survey team saw 44 head whales on December 3 in the Jordan basin, located 70 miles south of Ba Port, Maine. The team regularly surveyed sea waters from Maine to Long Island and beyond 150 miles to the Hague Road (US-Canadian border), an area of ​​25,000 nautical miles.

Tim Cole, the leader of the research team, said: 'We are very excited because the observation of 44 head whales together in the Gulf of Maine is a record in the winter months. Daily observations of these 3 to 5 animals are more common. Bull whales belong to the jaw whale, and in winter they often dive deep in the sea to find food. Observing the number of large whales on the surface when flying through this area is very fortunate. '

3 head whales crawling on the Jordans basin surface. The fourth bull whale is located just below the water on the lower left. (Photo: NOAA / Misty Niemeyer)

Just a few days later, on December 6, the team observed only three head whales on Cashes Ledge, about 80 miles east of Gloucester, Mass. Cole said whales have been known to be present in the area, but actually seeing them in an aerial survey is unpredictable.On December 14, the team discovered 41 head whales west of the Jordan Basin.

It is estimated that about 100 early whales in the North Atlantic Ocean face south in the winter to breed in Florida and Georgia, but understanding of other whales' migration sites is very limited. mainly due to difficult survey conditions.

With the vast geographic area where the North Atlantic whale can appear, Cole and his NEFSC colleagues developed aerial grids a few years ago for the Gulf of Maine and the waters around Cod's nose to ensure coverage in this area. This grid system provides consistent survey results on areas that were not surveyed in the past, such as the Jordan Basin and the Great South Strait, and showed common whales. gather at some locations in certain times.

With an estimated 325 whales left, knowing their location at any given time is crucial in protecting them. Detecting whale gatherings can provide management actions aimed at protecting them, for example, slowing down boats close to whales. On December 9, the new speed law for large vessels was issued, to minimize accidents.

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