A map showing where North Atlantic right whales have been spotted over the past 14 days. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
A North Atlantic right whale found dead off the Acadian Peninsula last week may have been struck by a vessel.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) said Saturday the preliminary necropsy findings are consistent with death due to blunt trauma.
“The final detailed results of the necropsy will be available in the coming months,” said DFO.
Comet was the third of six North Atlantic right whales found dead in the Gulf of St. Lawrence so far this year.
The necropsy on the sixth whale, a female known as Clipper, will take place Monday in the Gaspé Peninsula.
“We are currently working closely with our marine mammal response partners to assess necropsy options for the other two whales,” DFO said.
@CWHCRCSF on the #RightWhale named Comet. Preliminary findings of necropsy: highly compatible with death due to blunt trauma, consistent with vessel strike. Final results available in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/Jczoo3fAGW
— Fisheries and Oceans (@FishOceansCAN) June 30, 2019
Last week, a speed restriction of 10 knots was introduced for larger vessels in the western Gulf region where many whales have been recently spotted.
The measure is in addition to the fixed speed restriction introduced in late April in a large area in the Gulf, where vessels 20 metres or longer are restricted to a maximum of 10 knots until mid-November.
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