April 25, 2016 — State environmental officials this week issued a “high risk” warning to boat operators asking them to stay alert after five North Atlantic right whale mother and calf pairs were spotted foraging on plankton in Cape Cod Bay.
According to the advisory from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the highly endangered whales were seen feeding Thursday in the western part of the bay during an aerial survey conducted by researchers from the Center for Coastal Studies.
Marine Fisheries officials reissued the warning to boat operators on Sunday, fearing that a close encounter could lead to someone accidentally striking the whales.
“Given their behavior and the proximity to vessel traffic, the situation presents a high risk of vessel collision to a sensitive and important segment of the right whale population,” according to a statement.