Two more North Atlantic right whales found dead off coast of Newfoundland

Two more dead whales have washed ashore on Newfoundland’s west coast.

The federal fisheries department says the discoveries bring the total of confirmed North Atlantic right whale deaths to at least nine.

READ MORE: Eighth North Atlantic right whale found dead in Gulf of St. Lawrence

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The department says one of the animals had not been counted amongst the previous eight right whale carcasses that have been spotted in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in recent weeks.

Officials didn’t immediately say when the carcasses washed ashore.

READ MORE: Fisheries officials to examine right whale carcass that washed ashore

Scientists are working to confirm the identities of the whales and learn more about the causes of death.

The government says one of the carcasses was initially believed to be another species of whale, but was later confirmed to be a North Atlantic right whale.