April 24 marks the first-ever Right Whale Day in Massachusetts. Enacted by the state legislature in early 2023, the day was first proposed by Pembroke resident Matt Delaney, who witnessed a right whales breaching from his local beach and wanted to do something to bring more visibility to the critically-endangered species. With the help of his state representative, Josh Cutler, Right Whale Day was established to raise awareness and encourage opportunities for education about these marine mammals, which feed each winter and early spring in the waters off Massachusetts.
WHOI biologist and veterinarian Michael Moore recently met with Delaney and shared his thoughts about the significance of this recognition for North Atlantic right whales.
