Nearly 90 Endangered Whales Seen Off Cape Cod Coast

WEST BARNSTABLE, MA — Federal officials urged boaters to slow down to avoid injuring endangered right whales after 89 of the marine creatures were seen off the coast of Cape Cod earlier this month.

The sightings on March 21 were the most right whales spotted in a single day this season, according to the Center for Coastal Studies, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving marine mammals and ecosystems. The sighting included three mothers, seen feeding their calves, the organization said.

Researchers with the center found a large group of whales while surveying south of Cape Cod Bay at Sandy Neck in West Barnstable. Further north, more whales were discovered, including one named Marlin. Researchers said Marlin "appeared to be having the time if his life, tail-slapping at the surface."

"We're excited to find out how food resources might differ between the southern end of the bay, where whales were mostly feeding, and further north, where there appeared to be less feeding activity," the Center said in a Facebook post.

Officials with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it's important boaters slow down with so many endangered whales in Massachusetts waters.

"We've already lost one calf to a vessel strike this year," the administration said on its Facebook page. "If you're on the water, please keep your speeds to 10 knots in all the seasonal management areas and the voluntary slow zones."