More right whale photos
Another role we play is to assist any efforts to free a whale that has become entangled in fishing gear, like the whale above. If we come across an entangled whale, and the weather conditions and location of the animal will allow it to be reached by boat, we will stand by to keep track of the whale until a rescue team can arrive on scene to begin a disentanglement attempt. You can learn more about whale disentanglement at the website of the Center for Coastal Studies.
This photo shows a surface active group, or a SAG. Right whales congregate in large groups when exhibiting mating behaviors. The structure of the group generally involves a central female who lies belly up in the center, while males around the outside attempt to mate with her.
Many of the feeding grounds for right whales are in the Gulf of Maine. Right whales feed on very small animals called Calanus finmarchicus. From far away and from the air, big groups of Calanus look like red spots in the water. This right whale is skim feeding: swimming with its mouth open so the Calanus will get caught in its baleen. You can see why baleen whales are called filter feeders!
The mom in this mom and calf pair is feeding as well.
**All photos are the property NOAA Fisheries.
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