Rare Gray Whale Spotted After 200 Years
Scientists have verified that a whale, extinct in the Atlantic Ocean for 200 years, has been sighted off the coast of New England. It’s an exciting discovery, but it also highlights the impact of climate change on ocean creatures.
Researchers from the New England Aquarium in Boston spotted the gray whale during a flight about 50 kilometers south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in the US on March 1st.
Gray whales, which can weigh up to 27,215 kilograms, usually inhabit the northern Pacific Ocean. This specific whale may have been in the Atlantic for a couple of months, as scientists believe it was seen off the coast of Florida in December.
How did scientists Spot the Gray Whale?
According to a statement from the aquarium, the gray whale vanished from the Atlantic Ocean by the 18th century. However, there have been five confirmed sightings of the animal in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters over the last 15 years.
The researchers who discovered the whale off the coast of Massachusetts initially had doubts. But after circling the area for 45 minutes, they managed to capture photographs that confirmed it was indeed a gray whale.
“I didn’t want to believe it at first, because it seemed unbelievable,” said Orla O’Brien, an associate research scientist with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.
“My mind was trying to make sense of what I was seeing, because this creature wasn’t supposed to be in these waters,” added Research Technician Kate Laemmle.
“We couldn’t believe how incredible and unexpected this was – witnessing a creature that disappeared from the Atlantic centuries ago!”
Climate Change Signals: Gray Whale Sighting
Researchers expressed excitement over spotting the whale, but they believe its appearance is likely linked to global warming.
They noted that the Northwest Passage, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Arctic Ocean in Canada, has been free of ice during summer months in recent years.
This allows gray whales to move more easily through the passage in summer, whereas they would have been obstructed in the past, the scientists explained.
O’Brien highlighted that the whale’s arrival off the coast of New England serves as evidence of how rapidly marine species adapt to climate change when given the opportunity.
Gray Whales: A History of Near Extinction
Gray whales were nearly wiped out during the time of large-scale commercial whaling. Today, their populations have rebounded significantly, leading them to be classified as a species of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, the western population of these whales, living off Asia, remains endangered according to the organization.
These whales can be distinguished by their lack of a dorsal fin and their patchy appearance, setting them apart from more commonly observed whales off the coast of New England, such as humpback and minke whales.
Furthermore, their vocalizations are distinct – while humpback whales are known for their melodious songs, gray whales produce gurgles, grunts, and croaks.
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