For the first time in recorded history, divers have captured footage of two North Atlantic right whales in The Bahamas, marking a rare and extraordinary event. The sighting occurred on April 15, 2025, near Bimini Island, offering groundbreaking insights into the behaviors and travels of these critically endangered whales.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
The unexpected encounter was led by Captain Isaac Ellis of Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center during a routine dolphin-watching tour. The group spotted two right whales, later identified as Curlew (Catalog #4190) and Koala (Catalog #3940), adult females whose movements have been tracked for years.
“That moment for me was breathtaking, and I couldn’t fully gather myself. I thought it was fake at first. Once in a lifetime moment for sure,” said Captain Ellis.
Videos from the sighting were promptly shared with Dr. Diane Claridge, Executive Director of the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO). Claridge passed the footage to researchers at the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, where the whales’ identities were confirmed by the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.
Credit: Janelle Van Ruiten Neal / Watsons Bimini Scuba Center
The Whales’ Incredible Journey
Researchers have been closely monitoring Curlew and Koala, documenting their travels since their births in 2009 and 2011, respectively. The pair were first seen together off South Carolina in November 2024. Since then, they’ve embarked on an unusual journey:
“These two are really on quite the swim about!” remarked Philip Hamilton, senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center. “It is fairly unusual for right whales to be seen in the Gulf of Mexico, and there are no recorded sightings of right whales in The Bahamas. What inspired them to make this journey will likely remain a mystery.”
A Critical Discovery for Endangered Whales
The sighting is particularly significant as North Atlantic right whales face severe threats from fishing gear entanglements, vessel strikes, and climate change. With only 370 individuals left, every encounter contributes to better understanding and conservation efforts for the species.
“Besides the unusual locations, it is also rare for two right whales to remain together for more than a few days unless it is a mother with her calf. Everything about this sighting is remarkable and exciting,” added Hamilton.
The sighting further enriches the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, a decades-long collaboration documenting whale movements since 1935. Contributions from organizations like BMMRO are vital to building a comprehensive picture of this species’ behavior.
Tracking Right Whales with WhaleMap
To follow the latest right whale sightings, the public can visit WhaleMap, an online resource managed by the New England Aquarium. This tool provides updates on whale locations and movements, offering a glimpse into the life of these majestic creatures.
Looking Ahead
As rare as this sighting in The Bahamas may be, researchers hope Curlew and Koala will soon make their way safely back to northeastern feeding grounds. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the mysteries surrounding North Atlantic right whales and the urgent need to protect them.
For additional photos and videos from the encounter, visit Pelagic Life’s official gallery.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 50 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of marine mammals in The Bahamas through scientific research and educational outreach.