Thanks to recent advances in satellite technology and modeling techniques, our understanding of North Atlantic right whales has been completely revolutionized. These tools show that the whales’ feeding process relies on a barely visible zooplankton, Calanus finmarchicus. This work is critical as our population of North Atlantic right whales continues to decline, with only an estimated 370 individuals remaining. The Gulf of Maine has acted as a critical feeding area for these whales along their northern migratory route. It is critical for their reproductive success and, therefore, their population persistence.
Scientists have discovered that Calanus finmarchicus serves as a primary food source for right whales, offering energy-rich lipid reserves essential for their survival. A novel combined tracking approach based on satellite data, field measurements, and modeling does a great job of finding swarms of zooplankton just below the sea surface. By identifying where these swarms are located, researchers can make better predictions about right whale movements. This expertise allows them to spot new promising feeding areas for the whales.
The Importance of Calanus Finmarchicus
Though small, Calanus finmarchicus is a mighty player in the North Atlantic food web. This beautiful species of zooplankton recently had a big bloom in the Gulf of Maine. It serves as an important food supply for especially important marine species, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. They expertly sieve the crimson swarms of zooplankton from the water. This capacity is key for them to survive energy-intensive needs, particularly as they continue to push further northward.
“We know the right whales are using habitats we don’t fully understand,” – Rebekah Shunmugapandi
In the past 10-12 years, once reliable feeding grounds for right whales have disappeared. The shift has placed these whales in new, dangerous habitats, such as the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This modification makes it all the more important to understand where Calanus finmarchicus and its blooms are distributed.
Now, scientists can easily monitor the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus in an area based on the sound it makes. This critical information will have a direct impact on conservation priorities and strategies. As Laura Ganley notes, the challenges facing North Atlantic right whales are multifaceted:
“We’ve had whales getting hit by ships and whales getting stuck in fishing gear.”
Addressing Conservation Challenges
The Gulf of Maine is an important feeding ground. It features the beautiful, intricate patchwork of lobster traps. This adds further peril to North Atlantic right whales as they pass through these waters. Since 2017, NOAA has treated the situation facing right whales as an “unusual mortality event.” Unfortunately, 80 people have been killed or seriously injured due to human action.
“If a larger number of whales shows up suddenly, like they just did in January 2025, it is challenging. Fishermen need time and good weather to adjust that gear,” – Sarah Leiter
In particular, fishing activities heavily coincide with whale movements. This underscores the critical importance of providing timely data to warn fishermen of possible whale interactions. This new way of tracking is providing us with incredibly helpful predictive insights. These valuable data can be used to alter fishing gear to avoid these potentially deadly entanglements.
Leveraging Satellite Data for Better Outcomes
Cynthia Hall emphasizes the importance of utilizing satellite data for ecological research:
“NASA invests in this kind of research because it connects space-based observation with real-world challenges.”
These recent results show that satellite-based data on Calanus finmarchicus could be instrumental in locating uncharted feeding grounds. This new capability will be hugely powerful for helping researchers and conservationists predict where North Atlantic right whales are likely to migrate to next.
“This satellite-based Calanus information could eventually help identify unknown feeding grounds or better anticipate where whales might travel,” – Rebekah Shunmugapandi
The researchers are just beginning to tap remote sensing for leveraging large organisms, including zooplankton. This represents a departure from its historical emphasis on smaller, more productive phytoplankton species.
“We didn’t know to look for Calanus before in this way,” – Catherine Mitchell
Scientists have been making great strides every year in their tracking methods. They’re hopeful that new remote sensing technologies, such as with the next PACE satellite, will enhance their capacity to keep tabs on these vital ecosystems.
“The PACE satellite will definitely be able to do this, and maybe even something better,” – Bridget Seegers