A critically endangered 5-year-old North Atlantic right whale known as No. 5192 remains the subject of a federal monitoring effort after surviving years on a morbidity list and swimming roughly 700 nautical miles while entangled in fishing gear.
Whale No. 5192 Spotted Off New Jersey With Fishing Line
The 5-year-old mammal was sighted on October 10 swimming off Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey, tangled in fishing lines that extended past his tail, nypost.com reported. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the sighting, prompting regional survey teams to watch for new reports.
We’re aware of a sighting of North Atlantic right whale #5192 swimming off of Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey, on October 10,
NOAA spokesperson Ava DiFabritiis told the outlet. Stranding network partners and survey teams along the East Coast have been alerted and are awaiting new reports of the whale’s location.
Years of Entanglements and NOAA Morbidity Records
The young whale’s struggles began in December 2022 at just 1 year old, when researchers documented Southern New England wounds consistent with gear entanglements.
A Journey From the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Barnegat Inlet
Federal scientists recorded the whale swimming free of gear in Massachusetts waters during April, but new gear appeared by June 8 in Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence. Canadian fisheries officials attempted a rescue and satellite tagging operation, but rough ocean conditions prevented deployment.
The animal then swam about 700 nautical miles south to the New York and New Jersey coasts, reappearing off Montauk before the October 10 New Jersey sighting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale No. 5192
How many North Atlantic right whales are left?
Only about 380 individuals remain, including roughly 70 reproductively active females, according to federal figures.
What caused Whale No. 5192 to be placed on the morbidity list?
Researchers added him to NOAA’s morbidity records in December 2022 after spotting wounds consistent with a fishing gear entanglement when he was 1 year old.
Why did rescue attempts fail in Canada?
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada attempted to attach a satellite tag and mount a rescue in June, but bad weather and rough ocean conditions stopped the operation.
Who should people contact if they spot the entangled whale?
NOAA advises the public to stay at a safe distance, contact authorized professional responders immediately, and provide photos and videos to NOAA Fisheries.
Broader Right Whale Mortality Statistics
The unusual mortality event tracking program launched by NOAA in 2017 has documented 176 total cases involving sick, injured, or dead whales. That total includes 43 dead animals, 41 seriously injured whales, and 92 individuals categorized as sick or otherwise injured from threats like ship strikes and gear entanglements.