Endangered Right Whales Return To Massachusetts Coast

PLYMOUTH, MA — North Atlantic right whales have returned to Massachusetts waters as the survival of the endangered ocean behemoths remains in doubt. Only about 450 North Atlantic right whales remain. Scientists are concerned the species could go extinct, as no new calves have been detected in the last year.

In recent days, the whales have been spotted in Cape Cod Bay and off the coasts of Plymouth and Marblehead. The Coast Guard said it is focusing its efforts to protect the whales, which are threatened by fishing gear entanglements and boat strikes. Crews will inspect unattended lobster fishing gear and look for illegal gear, the Coast Guard said.

Federal law prohibits boaters from coming within 500 yards of right whales.

On Saturday in Marblehead, resident Eyal Oren used a drone to capture incredible footage of a group of right whales. Watch Oren's video below.

Last year was "devastating" for the species, according to federal researchers who counted at least 17 deaths.

Right whales, which grow up to 50 feet long and 80 tons, are drawn to Massachusetts waters to feed on zooplankton. In 2016, a right whale calf was killed by a boat propeller strike off Cape Cod.

The whales were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1800s. Their lowest recorded population level was 295 in 1992.

Last month, rescue crews saved a humpback whale tangled in fishing gear in Cape Cod Bay.

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• Humpback Whale Rescue In Cape Cod Bay
• Right Whale Calf Killed By Boat Propeller Strike off Cape Cod

Photo: Right whales spotted off Cape Cod January 19, 2018. (Credit: Center For Coastal Studies)