Rescuers are hoping to free two endangered North Atlantic right whales caught in fishing gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A second right whale was spotted in the area on Thursday, in what appears to be a fresh entanglement. Right whale deaths have risen in recent years, with 34 deaths reported in U.S. and Canadian waters since 2019. Two right whale deaths have been recorded so far in 2021, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Entanglements in fishing gear and ship strikes are the largest causes of death for endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Source: CBC News July 14, 2021 20:53 UTC