Scientists have verified the existence of a whale near New England that had become extinct in the Atlantic Ocean 200 years ago. This is an exhilarating revelation, but it also highlights the effects of climate change on marine creatures.

On March 1, a team from the New England Aquarium in Boston discovered a grey whale during a flight 30 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. This species of whale, which can reach weights of up to 60,000 pounds (27,215 kilograms), is normally found in the northern Pacific Ocean.

According to an aquarium statement, the gray whale disappeared from the Atlantic Ocean in the 18th century. However, there have been five recorded sightings of the species in the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas in the past 15 years. The recently found whale is believed to be the same one seen in Florida at the end of last year.

The team of scientists who discovered the creature near Massachusetts initially doubted their findings. However, after surveying the vicinity for 45 minutes, they captured photos that provided evidence of a gray whale.

Orla O’Brien, an associate research scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, mentioned that she refrained from verbalizing the concept as it appeared irrational.

Researchers expressed excitement at the sighting of the creature, but suspect that its appearance may be attributed to the increasing temperatures of the planet. According to their observations, the Northwest Passage, a route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Canada’s Arctic Ocean, has experienced declining levels of ice in the summer months in recent times.

The scientists stated that during the summer, gray whales are able to pass through the passage, which they would typically be blocked from. O’Brien commented that the arrival of these animals off New England is a reminder of how rapidly marine species can adapt to climate change when given the opportunity.

Gray whales were almost hunted to extinction during the era of commercial whaling. Today, the whales have recovered to the point that they are considered a species of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, though the organization considers the western population of the whales that lives off Asia to be endangered.

These whales are distinguishable by their absence of a dorsal fin and spotted patterns, which sets them apart from the more familiar humpback and minke whales found in the New England region. Regarding their vocalizations, gray whales produce distinct noises, unlike the haunting songs of humpback whales; instead, they make gurgles, grunts, and croaks.

Source: wral.com