Right whales may be on rebound in Pacific

By The Associated Press

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ANCHORAGE — North Pacific right whales may not be going extinct after all.

Scientists have found twice as many right whales in the Bering Sea as previously spotted, giving them hope the rare and endangered whales can be saved.

"We saw more right whales in the Bering Sea than have been documented in the last five years combined," said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientist Robert Pitman, who was aboard the research vessel that found the whales. "Not only is the population bigger than we thought, but it may actually be growing."

NOAA scientists were conducting a survey of humpback whales last month when they spotted a right whale and followed it. The scientists decided to go to an area of the Bering Sea where whales had been seen before in an attempt to find one affixed with a satellite tag in August.

"As we were approaching the area, we found a couple of right whales and were extremely surprised to find a cow and a calf. This was only the second calf to be seen in the North Pacific in about 100 years," Pitman said yesterday.

Over the next few days, Pitman said 25 North Pacific right whales were seen. Among the group were at last three cows with calves — giving scientists hope that North Pacific right whales are making a comeback.

"There are at least twice as many as previously thought," said NOAA scientist Paul Wade, who was involved in placing satellite tags on two whales in August. "It is very good news for this species."

Scientists took 20 biopsies — snippets of skin and blubber — which will give them an individual genetic record and help identify whales in the group.

The samples, about the size of a pencil eraser, will be sent to researchers at NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, Calif. The information will be used to determine the number of whales, their sex and how many of the females are pregnant.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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