NOAA/NMFS Right Whale Survey
23 June,1 July, & 13 August 1997

REPORT: 13 August 1997

Date: August 13 20:13 1997

This morning the Coast Guard and New England Aquarium (NEA) personnel responded to reports of 2 whales approximately 200 yards off Nantasket beach in Hull. A mother/calf pair were initially reported. One whale was resighted and confirmed as a right whale.
It is believed that the whales have headed further offshore. Mariners approaching/departing Boston and vicinity should proceed with caution and post a lookout(s).
Please report any additional right whale sightings to the NMFS Right Whale Network coordinator at (508) 495-2264, Fax (508) 495-2393, Pager (508) 585-8473.

REPORT: 01 July 1997

Date: July 01 18:51 1997

NMFS/MA/CG Aerial Survey went out on it's last right whale survey today. No right whales were sighted. Numerous humpback whales and other species were sighted off the coast of Chatham before the survey was aborted due to poor visibility. The CCS ship surveyed SW of Cultivator Shoals before deviating to E/SE of Chatham. No right whales were sighted as of this time. Nine humpbacks, 3 fin, and 3 unknown whales were sighted by CCS today.

REPORT: 23 June 1997

Date: June 23 08:42 1997

9 track lines to the east of the Great South Channel shipping lanes were flown on the NMFS/MA/CG aerial survey. The track lines were 4 n.miles apart and established using satellite imagery temperature data. Two right whales were sighted. Two humpback and four unknown whales and approximately 19 dolphins were also 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
13 August 1997
Lat Long
42 16 70 54
42 19 70 50
Sightings Areas
23June 1997
Lat Long
41 22 68 51
41 27 68 51

Map 23 June 1997

Number in box(es) represents number of right whales sighted this date.
sightings map 13 August 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
13 August 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