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Cape Cod Canal remains closed as endangered whales move through

By Bryan Lambert, Boston 25 News Staff

Right Whale Grants A North Atlantic right whale feeds on the surface of Cape Cod bay off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., March 28, 2018. Lawmakers from Massachusetts and New Jersey want to set up a new grant program to help develop technology that assists in saving this rare species of whale from extinction. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

By Bryan Lambert, Boston 25 News Staff

CAPE COD, Mass — Sorry boaters, the right whales have the right of way.

The Cape Cod Canal remains closed to all marine vessels as three right whales make their way through the 17.4 mile-long waterway, the US Coast Guard Northeast said Monday.

The canal first closed on Sunday after spotting of three right whales in the canal.

In December 2022, a New England Aquarium official told Boston 25 News that the population for the North Atlantic right whales are in dire straights.

Boston 25 News has reached out to the Massachusetts Environmental Police for more info but were told they could not comment at this time.

“Their numbers are below 350,” said Kara Mahoney Robinson.

South Shore man working to save North Atlantic right whales as species faces possible extinction

She explained that right whales love to hug the coastline, particularly the busy waters up and down the Northeast. That’s left them susceptible to ship strikes and getting tangled in fishing gear.

A pod of right whales was spotted off the Cape Cod Canal in April.

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