Another entangled North Atlantic right whale spotted off New Brunswick

SHIPPAGAN, N.B. — Observers have spotted an endangered North Atlantic right whale entangled in fishing gear in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence for the second time in seven days.

The federal Fisheries Department said today the whale was seen east of New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula on Saturday.

It was observed by a Canadian Whale Institute/New England Aquarium survey vessel team.

In a news release, the Fisheries Department says the critically endangered whale has been confirmed as Neptune, a 21-year-old male.

It says a followup flight did not spot Neptune or Dropcloth, an entangled whale seen on July 27.

The department says the type of gear that Neptune is entangled in and its origin are unknown.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2024.

The Canadian Press