The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced in a news release on Friday that a North Atlantic right whale has been spotted entangled in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The whale was observed in the Bradelle Bank area, situated between New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec’s Magdalen Islands.
“A surveillance flight conducted by DFO detected the whale on October 21, 2026, but the entanglement was only confirmed after DFO scientists and other specialists reviewed the footage this week,” the release stated.
Should the whale be found again, and if sea conditions permit, a satellite tag may be affixed to the whale for tracking purposes, along with attempts to disentangle it, according to the release.
“At this time, we do not have the whale’s identification, the type of gear it is caught in, or its source,” the release indicated.
“Determining the type and origin of the gear generally occurs only after it has been removed from the animal and a thorough analysis is conducted when feasible.”
The public is advised to maintain a safe distance and refrain from attempting to disentangle the whale if it is located, as stated by the department.
“Addressing an entanglement poses risks, and our partners require space and time to carry out their operations safely.”
Individuals can report any incidents or sightings involving marine mammals or sea turtles to the department via their online platform.
Right whales, among the most endangered large whale species globally, typically arrive in Canadian waters during April and May and migrate southward in October and November.
Current estimates suggest there are approximately 384 whales, including 70 breeding females.
Following years of decline attributed to ship strikes and entanglements with fishing gear, the population appears to be stabilizing, according to Fisheries and Oceans earlier this year.