New England Aquarium documents 2,000 animals in aerial survey

Scientists from the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life documented over 2,000 animals during an aerial survey of the Northeast Canyons and Seamount Marine National Monument. The flight, conducted on August 16, identified 15 different marine species, showcasing the high biodiversity of the 5,000-square-mile underwater sanctuary.

Observations included approximately 1,800 dolphins across four species, as well as sperm whales, humpback whales, and an endangered fin whale mother and calf. The survey also recorded warm-water species such as 11 whale sharks, manta rays, devil rays, Chilean devil rays, and hammerhead sharks, which are drawn to the area by the warm Gulf Stream waters.

Located 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod, the Monument features four underwater seamounts and three deep-sea canyons. Researchers noted that the variety of sightings, ranging from regular visitors to endangered blue whales, underscores the importance of the habitat.