Right whale spotted in Canadian waters for the first time in 2022

By Staff The Canadian Press

Posted May 4, 2022 2:54 pm EST

1 min read

This article is more than 2 years old and some information may not be up to date.

Federal efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales from extinction are proving successful, as none of the endangered animals died last year as a result of becoming entangled in fishing gear or being struck by shipping vessels. Ross Lord reports on the delicate balancing act to protect the majestic mammals, while keeping the fishing industry running – Feb 21, 2021

A North Atlantic right whale has been spotted in Canadian waters for the first time this year.

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The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says one whale was spotted by surveillance aircraft in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., on Tuesday.

The sighting has triggered a 15-day fishing closure in specific fishing grids in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

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There are approximately 336 North Atlantic right whales in existence.

Fifteen calves were observed earlier this year in waters off the United States.

Many right whales spend their summers feeding in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2022.