News and Reports

Instantly recognizing the distinctive creature with its V-shaped exhale, dark color, lack of a dorsal fin, and white callosities on its head, ecologists Jan Roletto and Kirsten Lindquist observed the whale for about 20 minutes as it seemingly rested. Endangered due to past whaling and ongoing threats like noise pollution, contamination, and fishing gear entanglement, the recent sighting is extraordinary given that only around 30 whales remain in U.S. waters. This encounter follows previous sightings in the Gulf of Alaska last November, indicating hope for the resilient population's survival, as shared by research biologist Jessica Crance in the Journal of the American Cetacean Society. Such remarkable sightings fuel optimism and underscore the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts.