Rare 4K drone video shows critically endangered North Atlantic right whale surface active group

During a joint research trip on February 28 in Cape Cod Bay, Mass., WHOI whale trauma specialist Michael Moore, National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry, and scientists from New England Aquarium, witnessed a remarkable biological event: North Atlantic right whales in a surface active group, also known as a SAG.
SAGs involve close interactions between groups of right whales that may include playful, reproductive, and vocal behavior. The researchers flew drones to measure their body condition and unexpectedly saw what appeared to be whales hugging with their flippers, technically described as “belly to belly”; perhaps showing affection and attempts at mating. The aerial perspective of these behaviors has rarely, if ever, been captured.
Most recent news about right whales has focused on trauma from collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear. North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with approximately 360 individuals left on the planet. This footage, however, gave researchers a unique view of the lives of these incredible animals; spending gentle, quiet time together, perhaps making new right whales. The whales were also seen skim feeding on plankton, and nursing calves, possibly conceived in SAGs more than a year ago. There are less than 100 females capable of raising new calves in the entire species.
This remarkable event was full of hope and wonder and serves as a reminder of the urgent need to reduce and mitigate the trauma that these animals routinely face so they can thrive and recover.
As Michael Moore told National Geographic Magazine, “Having a ringside seat on their private time..had a heartbeat of hope.”
Learn more about WHOI’s work with North Atlantic right whales.
www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/...
©Michael Moore/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

[@gracediemand5002]

Heartwarming to view this and would love to know if these whales are known by name or ID number in the NARW catalog?
Wonderful to see the calf close by as well, the number of NARW births this year gives great hope after lean years and tragic deaths. Living on Cape Cod and sailing the waters on our Alberg sloop Galadriel has allowed us to view NARW and other amazing whales from an unparalleled vantage point.

[@jayholmes46]

So the 4 whales in this video represent 1% of the whole North Atlantic Right Whale population... 1% of the human population would be almost 800 million... over 2x the whole population of the US... there are very few of these whales left... sad. Makes the "hug" even more poignant.

[@AGDinCA]

These two whales are both male, correct?