Collecting a biopsy sample from a right whale

This is how researchers collect a biopsy (skin and blubber) sample from large whales! This is a previously un-sampled North Atlantic right whale in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the sample from this whale will join hundreds of other samples from individual whales, housed in a genetic database. The genetics allow us to link family trees, as well as provide a positive ID to carcasses. The specialized arrow is fitted with a small (~7 mm) diameter cylinder that bounces off the whale as soon as the sample is collected. We typically see no to a mild reaction from the whale. This biopsy sampling is done under scientific permit.
North Atlantic Right Whales are endangered. To protect this species, it is ILLEGAL for vessels/humans to approach a North Atlantic Right Whale within 500 yards in U.S. waters. The New England Aquarium Right Whale Research Team operates under scientific permits in US and Canadian waters: this footage was collected legally. If you see a right whale, please report it to NOAA at [phone]. Injured, dead or entangled right whales should be immediately reported to NOAA at 1-866-755-NOAA (6622), or please call the USCG on VHF channel 16.
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