Underway
The Great Migration Expedition is a 2026–2027 research voyage tracing the annual migration of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale along the Atlantic coast of North America. Combining science, education, storytelling, and Next Gen research, the expedition will document changing conditions across the interconnected ecosystems that support one of the world's most endangered whale species.
North Atlantic Right Whale Fast Facts
Adults average of 35-55 feet long and can weigh up to 70 tons
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
On average, breeding right whales are giving birth every 7-10 years
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
On average, breeding right whales are giving birth every 7-10 years
Average of 11 new calves per year over the last 10 years
Female North Atlantic Right Whales reach reproductive maturity at age 10
On average, breeding right whales are giving birth every 7-10 years
Right whales spend much of their time at or near the surface, making them especially vulnerable to ship strikes.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
Right whales spend much of their time at or near the surface, making them especially vulnerable to ship strikes.
Estimated population of fewer than 380 individuals and fewer then 100 breeding females
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
Right whales spend much of their time at or near the surface, making them especially vulnerable to ship strikes.
More than 85% of North Atlantic Right Whales have been entangled in fishing gear at least once during their lives.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
North Atlantic Right Whales can live for more than 70 years, with some individuals believed to exceed 80 years of age.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
Nearly 90% of documented right whale deaths with a known cause were linked to vessel strikes or entanglement.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
North Atlantic Right Whales can consume more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg) of tiny zooplankton in a single day during peak feeding periods.
Right whales were named by whalers because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt — they swim slowly, stay near the surface, and float when killed.
North Atlantic Right Whales can consume more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg) of tiny zooplankton in a single day during peak feeding periods.