New England Aquarium identifies whale found dead off Virginia

The New England Aquarium has identified a three-year-old female North Atlantic right whale found dead near Virginia. This is the second whale death discovered in just two weeks, marking another significant loss for the critically endangered species.

The whale’s remains were reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on February 10 after washing up on a barrier island off the eastern coast of Virginia. Scientists from the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life determined the whale’s identity using the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog database compiled by the Aquarium.

Her death follows the Jan. 27 discovery of a four-year-old male known as Division off the coast of North Carolina who died after becoming entangled in fishing gear.

“To say this death is disheartening, especially so soon after Division’s death two weeks ago, would be an understatement,” said Heather Pettis, senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center. “This young female was seen in October without any sign of injury or compromised health. We are hopeful that an examination of the carcass will provide insight into her cause of death.”

NOAA Fisheries is working with members of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to examine and perform an autopsy on the whale.

Scientists say the whale’s family history underlines the broader crisis facing the species.

Her mother, a 25-year-old whale named Porcia, gave birth to three calves, all of which have now died. The previous two died because they became entangled in fishing gear. Her grandmother, Mantis, now over forty years old, has given birth to eight calves and was last seen with a new calf in December. An aunt, Squilla, was also spotted with a newborn baby this season.

“The loss of a young female especially impacts an already small population,” said Amy Warren, scientific program officer at the Anderson Cabot Center. “Given the odds, a single female could add at least 10 whales to the population in her lifetime.”

Scientists say North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered large whale species in the world, with only about 380 individuals left, including 72 reproductive females. According to the Aquarium, fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes are the leading causes of serious injury and death.

The latest whale death marks the 43rd confirmed death of the continuing North Atlantic Right Whale Unusual mortality eventa NOAA study launched in 2017 in response to a notable spike in whale deaths and serious injuries.

A spokesperson for the Aquarium said it remains committed to advancing policies aimed at reducing threats to the species.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.