🐋 Hold onto your hats, ocean lovers! A Pacific gray whale, native to the North Pacific and thought to be extinct in the Atlantic Ocean since the 18th century, has been spotted off the coast of New England! 🌊
On March 1st, researchers from the New England Aquarium in Boston were flying 30 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, when they made the astonishing discovery. \"I didn't want to say out loud what it was, because it seemed crazy,\" said Orla O'Brien, an associate research scientist. After circling for 45 minutes, they confirmed it was indeed a gray whale.
This gentle giant, weighing in at a whopping 27,215 kilograms, is typically found in the northern Pacific Ocean. The last time a gray whale was seen in the Atlantic was over 200 years ago! There have only been five sightings in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters in the past 15 years. The whale spotted this month might be the same one seen in Florida late last year. 🐳
So, what's bringing this ocean wanderer to our side of the map? Scientists believe it's a sign of our changing planet. With the warming climate causing the Northwest Passage through the Arctic to be ice-free in summer, gray whales can now traverse between oceans where they couldn't before. 🌍🔥
\"This serves as a reminder of how quickly marine species respond to climate change, given the chance,\" O'Brien noted. While it's thrilling to see such a majestic creature in New England waters, it also highlights the profound impact climate change is having on marine life.
Gray whales were nearly wiped out during the commercial whaling era but have since recovered, though populations off Asia remain endangered. These whales are unique with their lack of a dorsal fin and mottled gray appearance, standing out from other whales like humpbacks and minkes. And get this—they don't sing like humpbacks; instead, they make gurgles, grunts, and croaks! 🎶
This unexpected visitor reminds us that our oceans are changing in ways we might not yet fully understand. It's both a magical moment and a wake-up call. Let's hope this wandering whale finds its way safely, and let's keep working towards a healthier planet for all creatures! 💙🌊
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Why is a whale native to the North Pacific spotted in New England?
cgtn.com
