NANTUCKET – A recent whale research flight off the coast of Massachusetts reported more than 160 “eye-popping” sightings of seven different species, including killer whales.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries division said researchers reported a total of 161 whale sightings during the May 25 flight south of Martha’s Vineyard and southeast of Nantucket, including a rare sighting of an orca. They shared photos from the investigation on Monday.
Number of whales “not unusual” this time of year
“It is not unusual for there to be a lot of whales in the area this time of year,” said NOAA spokesperson Teri Friady. “But since we don’t survey the same areas every day, or every time we fly, catching such a large collection with such a variety of species on one of our flights is the exception rather than the rule.”
There were 93 sightings of it endangered sei whales – one of the highest ever seen on a single research flight. About three dozen were also spotted humpback whalesfin whales, sperm whales and the critically endangered North Atlantic whales.
Orcas are a rare sight off the coast of Massachusetts
Seeing two killer whales was a “highlight” of the aerial survey, NOAA said.
“Even more incredible, one of the orcas had a tuna in its mouth!” the message stated.
NOAA Fisheries/MMPA Permit No. 27066
On June 2, there was a lone orca spotted near Chatham by people on board a fishing boat. The New England Aquarium said the orca is believed to be “Old Thom,” the only orca regularly seen in North Atlantic waters.
