On Sunday March 5, 2023 Captain Pualani of Monterey Bay Whale Watch spotted a critically endangered North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) offshore of Point Pinos, Pacific Grove.
The crew was able to observe the individual for approximately 15 minutes and captured a series of identifying photographs that were shared with NOAA researchers. In general, the key features of the North Pacific right whale include a V-shaped blowhole, lack of a dorsal fin, short pectoral fins, and callosities (raised rough skin patches) around the head and blowhole (see NOAA fisheries link).
Listed as federally endangered in 1970, the North Pacific right whale is among the rarest of baleen whale species, with fewer than 500 estimated individuals remaining. Since 1955, there have only been 18 confirmed sightings of the North Pacific right whale in California. Of the eastern population that visits the West Coast, approximately 30 individuals are estimated to exist.
The North Pacific right whale population was greatly impacted by commercial whaling operations in the 19th century. The species was dubbed “right whale” as individuals swam slowly and floated when killed, making them a relatively easy whaling target. Although the species is now federally protected and whaling is no longer a threat, many negative human impacts remain. Current threats to the North Pacific right whale are difficult to ascertain due to lack of observational data, but likely include vessel strikes, entanglement, ocean noise, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and the broad impacts of climate change.
