R/V Song of the Whale: 2023 North Atlantic right whale surveys

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most critically endangered species in the world, with an estimated population of about 350 individuals, including fewer than 70 reproductive females. This species migrates every year between calving grounds in waters off the US Southeast and feeding grounds off the US Northeast and Canada, facing a maze of threats along their journey.

Recent years have brought about changes to right whale distribution along the Eastern Seaboard, and whales are traveling into new areas void of any protections in place for their
survival. An improved understanding of their movements is urgently needed to reduce human-induced threats in high activity areas, especially those that have not yet been systematically surveyed during key time periods. In 2023, IFAW commissioned Marine Conservation Research (MCR) to conduct collaborative right whale surveys aboard the R/V Song of the Whale, a purpose-built research sailing vessel. This expedition aimed to provide vessel-based visual and passive acoustic surveys to fill data gaps and support efforts to conserve the North Atlantic right whale.