Four-year-old north atlantic right whale dies from fishing gear entanglement off north carolina coast

Division, a young North Atlantic right whale, died at just four years old after becoming fatally entangled in fishing gear—a tragically common fate for one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. The whale’s body was discovered drifting off the North Carolina coast in late January, too damaged and weather conditions too dangerous for recovery efforts.

Division was first spotted in early December with fishing line wrapped tightly around his head and mouth, cutting into his blowhole and lodging in his upper jaw. Despite rescue teams removing some of the gear, enough remained to severely compromise his health. The entanglement slowed his swimming, caused infections, and drained vital energy his growing body desperately needed. Marine scientists tracking Division documented the telltale signs of decline they’ve learned to recognize in entangled whales: significant weight loss and altered swimming patterns.

Named for the distinctive pale markings on his head that resembled a mathematical division symbol, Division was catalogued as whale #5217. During his short life, researchers recorded 68 sightings and captured 23 photographs, including one remarkable image of him breaching with much of his body clear of the water. He was last seen alive on January 21st near Cape Hatteras; six days later, he was found dead.

Division’s death underscores the ongoing crisis facing North Atlantic right whales, whose population has dwindled to approximately 340 individuals, with fishing gear entanglement and ship strikes being the leading causes of mortality.