A rare sighting of a North Atlantic right whale named Goldfish was captured by Kristinn Skulason in Bay de Verde, Newfoundland. Skulason, a regional manager, was surprised to see the whale close to shore from his office window. The whale’s presence was unusual for the area, prompting Skulason to record videos and photos which he shared on social media.
After experts identified the whale as Goldfish, last seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2023, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans was notified. Brett Gilchrist from DFO confirmed the whale’s identity and explained that right whales have a vast range, from Iceland to the Gulf of Mexico. These whales typically gather in the Bay of Fundy or the Gulf of St. Lawrence to feed on copepods.
Despite the solitary sighting off Newfoundland’s north coast, the whale appeared healthy in the photos and videos. DFO clarified that no fisheries closure was required in this case, as right whales were not expected to aggregate in large numbers in the area. The department issued a “notice of vigilance” to fish harvesters in the region to exercise caution.
North Atlantic right whales are known for their slow movement and dark coloration, distinct from humpback whales. If anyone encounters a right whale, they are advised to document the sighting with details such as time, location, behavior, and unique features while adhering to regulations against approaching the animals.
The unique sighting of Goldfish in Bay de Verde highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these endangered whales and their habitat.