Home / Environment / Rare Right Whale Calf Spotted in Quebec
Rare Right Whale Calf Spotted in Quebec
2 Nov
Summary
- A previously unknown right whale calf was sighted off Anticosti Island, Quebec.
- The calf's mother, Silt, is at least 38 years old with a history of survival.
- This year's calving season saw the most mother-calf pairs in 17 years.
A significant sighting has been reported off Anticosti Island in Quebec, where researchers documented a North Atlantic right whale calf and its mother, Silt, on September 25, 2026. This marks the discovery of Silt's sixth known calf, previously unidentified.
Scientists from the Minigan Island Cetacean Study captured images of the pair. These were then shared with the New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Centre for Ocean Life, which manages the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalogue. Analysis of sighting data confirmed the calf was likely born during the 2025-2026 calving season.
Silt, estimated to be at least 38 years old, has a remarkable history of survival, having endured at least five fishing entanglement events. Despite her resilience, her family has experienced significant loss, including the deaths of two previous calves due to entanglement and boat strikes.
This year's calving season has been exceptionally productive, with 24 mother-calf pairs observed, the highest count in 17 years. However, the North Atlantic right whale remains critically endangered, with an estimated population of only 380 individuals.
Canada's recovery strategy for the species began in 2014, following its endangered listing in 2005. The current sighting offers a hopeful note for conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and protection for this vulnerable marine mammal.
