In a rare sighting, Kristinn Skulason, the regional manager at Quinlan Brothers Ltd., had the surprise of seeing a North Atlantic right whale from his office window in Bay de Verde, Newfoundland’s Conception Bay. Skulason, who has been in the area for 28 years, was initially unsure of the whale’s species but was fascinated by its proximity to the shore.
The whale, later identified as Goldfish, was a remarkable find in the region, as these creatures are more commonly spotted outside the breakwater during capelin season. Skulason quickly captured photos and videos of the unusual visitor, which garnered attention on social media.
Following the sighting, experts confirmed the whale’s identity as Goldfish, last seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2023. Brett Gilchrist from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) noted that North Atlantic right whales have an extensive range, from Iceland to Europe and down to the Gulf of Mexico. When in Canada, they are usually in pursuit of copepods, a vital food source, often congregating in the Bay of Fundy or the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Despite the solitary appearance of the right whale off Newfoundland’s north coast, DFO ensured that the animal seemed healthy based on available footage. Unlike areas with known aggregations of right whales, Bay de Verde’s rare sightings are managed on a case-by-case basis by DFO. In this instance, DFO issued a “notice of vigilance” to local fish harvesters to exercise caution.
North Atlantic right whales are distinctive for their size, slow movement, and baleen structure. If anyone spots a right whale, they are advised to document the date, time, location, behavior, and any unique markings without approaching the animal. While photographs are encouraged, regulations prohibit close interactions with these majestic creatures.
The unusual sighting of a North Atlantic right whale near Bay de Verde serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life present in Canadian waters.