Endangered right whale spotted entangled in fishing gear in Gulf of St. Lawrence

MISCOU, N.B. – A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been spotted entangled in fishing gear off the northeastern coast of New Brunswick.

The federal fisheries department says a team of scientists observed the animal among a group of right whales east of Miscou Island, N.B., on Saturday.

The scientists say the whale is an adult male known as Dropcloth, but they are uncertain of his age.

A news release says the department will “monitor the situation” and try to disentangle the whale if it is spotted again and weather conditions permit.

The department says it doesn’t know where the fishing gear came from or what type it is.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species in the world, with an estimated 360 remaining.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2024.

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