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PRESS RELEASE
Aquarium identifies North Atlantic right whale found dead off Virginia as 3-year-old female
Scientists react to second right whale death in two weeks
BOSTON, MASS. (Feb. 12, 2026) – The New England Aquarium has identified a North Atlantic right whale found dead off Virginia as a 3-year-old female, the second detected right whale death in just two weeks, marking another blow for this critically endangered species.
On February 10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received a report of a whale carcass on a barrier island located off the eastern shore of Virginia. Scientists in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium identified the whale as a 3-year-old female. She is the second right whale to die in the last two weeks after the carcass of 4-year-old male “Division” (Catalog #5217) was found dead off of North Carolina on January 27 following a serious fishing gear entanglement.
“To say that this death is disheartening, particularly so soon after the death of Division two weeks ago, would be an understatement. This young female was seen in October with no sign of injury or compromised health. We are hopeful that an examination of the carcass will provide insights into her cause of death,” said Heather Pettis, Senior Scientist in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.
NOAA Fisheries said it is working with Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners to examine, document, and necropsy the whale carcass. A cause of death has not been released.
The deceased whale had a rich family history, tracked through the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, curated by the New England Aquarium. Her mom, 25-year-old “Porcia” (Catalog #3293), has given birth to three whales, all of which have now died—the previous two from fishing gear entanglements. Her grandmother, “Mantis” (Catalog #1620), is over 40 years old and has birthed eight calves, the most recent of which was spotted in December 2025. The family tree also includes aunt “Squilla” (Catalog #3720), another whale that was sighted with a new calf this season.
“The loss of a young female is especially impactful for an already small population. Given the opportunity, a single female could add at least 10 whales to the right whale population in her lifetime,” said Amy Warren, Scientific Program Officer in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.
North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered large whale species in the world, with an estimated population of about 380 and only 72 reproductive females. Entanglements and vessel strikes remain the leading causes of death and injury for the species. The New England Aquarium remains committed to defending and advancing policies that limit these threats.
MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—psnyder@neaq.org