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WhaleMap: Latest Right Whale Observations

Last 14 days of sightings, effort, and acoustic detections

WhaleMap currently focuses on Canadian waters. For the latest observations in the US, go to: https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/

This map should not be used for navigation or fisheries management purposes. Data may only be used for the coordination of field research efforts. Any other use of data requires permission from the originating datasource. These are preliminary data and are subject to change. There may also be a delay between the publishing of tracks and observations.

Map Key

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Definite sighting
These mark the approximate locations of definite sightings of right whales. They are often associated with a dedicated survey platform, but can also be reported opportunistically and validated with photographic or video evidence. Click on the marker to learn more about the sighting.
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Definite acoustic detection
These mark the position of an acoustic platform (glider or buoy) when it detected a right whale call. More information on the platforms and analysis protocol can be found here. Click on the marker to learn more about the detection.
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Acoustic glider survey track
These lines indicate the approximate survey path of an underwater glider equipped with a system to detect right whale sounds. These autonomous vehicles survey at slow speeds over weeks to months. Breaks in the lines indicate times when the glider stopped listening for more than 2 hours. [This layer 'Survey tracks' is turned off by default]
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Vessel visual survey track
These lines show the paths of survey vessels while actively surveying for right whales. Breaks in these lines indicate times when the survey teams on board stopped surveying. [This layer 'Survey tracks' is turned off by default]
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Aerial visual survey track
These lines indicate the approximate track of survey planes looking for right whales. Most do not reflect times when the teams were actively surveying, but simply show the entire flight path. [This layer 'Survey tracks' is turned off by default]
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Shipping lane
These polygons show traffic separation schemes used to direct the flow of ship traffic in congested or dangerous areas. Most of the right-whale-relevant shipping lanes from Atlantic Canada are included, but these are not comprehensive.
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Protected area
These polygons represent a number of critical habitat or areas of importance for right whales and other species in Atlantic Canada.
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Latest acoustic glider position
These icons show the latest position of an acoustic glider that is currently operating and listening for right whales. [This layer 'Latest robot positions' is turned off by default]
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Latest acoustic buoy position
These icons show the latest position of a moored buoy that is currently operating and listening for right whales.
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Layer selection tool
Click this button to show a list of map layers that can be turned off or on
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Toggle fullscreen
Use this button to make the map full screen [currently not available on mobile devices]