NOAA/NMFS Right Whale Survey
21 April 1997

REPORT: 21 April 1997

Date: April 21 1997 08:58 PM EDT

Four tracks along the western edge of the Great South Channel (east of Chatham to southeast of Nantucket) were flown on the NMFS/MA/CG aerial survey. No right whales were sighted although humpback, fin and minke whales were numerous in this area. The NEA aerial and CCS ship surveys were conducted north and east of the shipping lanes based on sea temperature data from satellite imagery. In total, 10 right whales were sighted.

CONCENTRATIONS OF ENDANGERED NORTHERN RIGHT WHALES ARE KNOWN TO BE PRESENT IN CAPE COD BAY. SIGHTINGS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY THE FOLLOWING COORDINATES:

Sightings Areas
Lat Long
42 22.6 69 53.2
42 25.6 69 53.2
42 25.6 69 49.0
42 22.6 69 49.0
Lat Long
42 05.6 69 47.5
42 11.1 69 47.5
42 11.1 69 28.9
42 05.6 69 28.9
Lat Long
41 28.6 69 21.1
42 01.0 69 21.1
42 01.0 69 15.3
41 28.6 69 15.3

Number in box(es) represents number of right whales sighted this date.
sightings map 21 April 1997
NOAA logo

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Woods Hole, MA

Right Whale Zones from
Aerial and/or Ship Surveys,
and/or id cruises
21 April 1997

Mariners are urged to maintain a sharp lookout and use caution around right whales. Intentional close approach is prohibited and may result in violation of federal or state law.

NOAA/NMFS Northern Right Whale Sighting Information