The recent sighting of a grey whale off Nantucket, Mass., was surprising to scientists, since they've been extinct in the Atlantic for centuries. (Submitted by the New England Aquarium)
During an aerial survey off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, scientist Orla O'Brien stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. While scanning the waters for familiar whale species, O'Brien encountered a creature that defied expectations: a grey whale.
The absence of a dorsal fin initially puzzled O'Brien, leading her to suspect it might be a right whale. However, upon closer examination, the distinct characteristics of a grey whale became apparent. The sighting left O'Brien and her colleague, Kate Laemmle, exhilarated by the rarity of the encounter.
Orla O'Brien was one of two scientists from the New England Aquarium who spotted the grey whale from their research plane. (Submitted by the New England Aquarium)
Grey whales were declared extinct in the Atlantic Ocean during the 17th century, making this sighting a remarkable anomaly. O'Brien attributes their disappearance to natural factors and increased whaling activity at the time.
The question arises: how did this solitary grey whale find its way to the Atlantic after centuries of absence? O'Brien suggests that climate change may have played a role, altering traditional migration routes and opening up new passageways for the adventurous traveler.
Recent sightings of grey whales in the Atlantic, including off the coast of Namibia and near Florida, lend credence to the theory of accidental migration through newly accessible routes. However, O'Brien emphasizes that permanent reestablishment of grey whale populations in the Atlantic is unlikely in the near future, requiring sustained migration over generations.
While the sighting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for O'Brien, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the dynamic changes occurring in our oceans due to global environmental shifts. The unexpected appearance of a grey whale in unfamiliar waters underscores the profound impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and highlights the resilience and adaptability of these magnificent creatures.
Source: Sam Farley (Mar 06, 2024). CBC News. Grey whale spotted in Atlantic Ocean, despite being extinct there for 300 years. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/grey-whale-sighting-nantucket-massachusetts-extinct-atlantic-ocean-1.7135778
