Ocean researchers say only one right whale was spotted this fall in the Gulf of Maine, indicating ocean conditions have driven the species to other feeding grounds.
The Portland Press Herald reports that researchers with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration in Provincetown, Mass., say that only one right whale was spotted in Maine waters during the annual aerial survey.
Marine biologists say there are about 500 right whales remaining in the North Atlantic Basin. They say spotting only one right whale in the Gulf of Maine during the fall is unusual but not unprecedented.
Biologist Tim Cole says it appears the whales have moved earlier than usual to feeding grounds at the outer shores of Cape Cod.