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Rare Right Whale Spotted off Massachusetts Coast

A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted swimming off the coast of Massachusetts on April 20.

The North Atlantic right whale is classified as critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 400.

Right whales migrate to the waters off Massachusetts during spring, but in recent years have been arriving earlier in the year and staying longer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA Fisheries’ Slow Zones program designates 10-knot speed zones when right whales are detected in waters from Maine through Virginia. Vessels are asked to slow down to speeds of 10 knots or under for 15 days after a sighting. Credit: Becky Pingree via Storyful