Another Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Found Dead  - Oceana USA

Another Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Found Dead

Press Release Date: February 12, 2026

Location: WASHINGTON

Contact:

Erin Vande Ven | email: EVandeVen@oceana.org | tel: 303.829.3877

A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was found dead off the Virginia coast this week, less than two weeks after another deceased whale was discovered in the Atlantic.  

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the whale was discovered on a remote barrier island off the state’s Eastern Shore. This whale was identified as a 3-year-old female and the calf of “Porcia” (#3293). Porcia has had two other known calves, both of which previously died. The cause of this death is not yet known. Officials plan to conduct an investigation despite this logistically challenging location. 

This is the second confirmed death of a North Atlantic right whale this year. Last month, a North Atlantic right whale named “Division” was found dead off the coast of North Carolina. NOAA determined the whale died due to injuries from its entanglement in fishing gear. Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes continue to be the two biggest threats to the survival of this species. There are only around 380 of these critically endangered whales left in the world, including around 70 breeding females.   

“This is an endless tug of war between hope and despair for North Atlantic right whales, and today, despair is winning,” said Nora Ives, a marine scientist with Oceana.  “Another whale is gone, a young female that could have helped contribute to the future of a population already on the brink of extinction. We can and we must do better. Stronger protections and proven solutions are needed, but both depend on adequate funding and staffing at NOAA. They also require full implementation of bedrock laws like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act that help secure a future for these creatures. It’s time for U.S. leaders to fight for the future North Atlantic right whales deserve.”