A federal research vessel, heading back to port Sunday afternoon, hit a right whale near Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Along with the North Pacific right whale, North Atlantic right whales are the most critically endangered of the great whales and one of the world’s most endangered mammals. Scientists estimate their population has stagnated for more than 25 years at barely over 300 individuals, despite highly restrictive regulations to help the whales recover.
The Auk, a 50-foot National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel working for the Stellwagen sanctuary, was traveling at about 22 mph when it hit the whale at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, NOAA spokesman David Miller said.