NOAA Monitoring Entangled Right Whale Seen Off RI Coast

RHODE ISLAND — A right whale tangled in rope has been seen swimming about 50 miles south of Block Island, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The adult male whale was seen April 9 with rope coming out of both sides of its mouth and trailing beyond its tail, though not around its whole body, NOAA added. A rescue attempt will be made if weather and safety conditions allow, and NOAA Fisheries and their partners will continue monitoring the whale.

"Fortunately, the whale’s overall condition is good, and he was observed feeding during the aerial sighting," NOAA said in an update.

The agency said this whale has been identified as adult male 4143, who was most recently seen in March and wasn't tangled in ropes at that time. Right whale #4143 was first spotted as a calf in 2011, NOAA said.

North Atlantic right whales are endangered, with only 360 remaining in the world. Since 2017, NOAA has been investigating an uptick in reports of dead, seriously injured, or otherwise injured whales of this species in what it calls an "unusual mortality event."

NOAA Fisheries said the adult male will likely survive, but may have injuries or impairments that could harm its well-being in the long run.

It will be preliminarily added to the tally of 126 right whales that have been dead, seriously injured, or otherwise counted as morbidities since 2017. That tally includes 40 deaths, 34 seriously injured, and 52 whales with sublethal injuries and/or illness.

Boaters are encouraged to call in sightings of this or any other entangled and injured animal to the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 866-755-6622 and the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-942-5343, or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.