MAINE PUBLIC • March 5, 2026
Researchers say they spotted three endangered blue whales off the coast of Southern New England in in a 24-hour period last month. Observers with New England Aquarium said it's the first time they have documented blue whales in their southern New England survey area. Seeing blue whales outside of their Canadian feeding grounds is rare in the Atlantic, documenting them in two different areas of the ocean just hours apart is a first for Research Scientist Orla O’Brien. She said little is known about the Western North Atlantic population, which is believed to be between 400-600 individuals. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation last month to open nearly 5,000 square miles to commercial fishing. And the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration announced plans to ditch speed limits for vessels put in place for protecting whales as part of the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to deregulate.