By DMR Division of Marine Mammal Research staff The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Division of Marine Mammal Research Survey Program is designed to increase our understanding of when and where North Atlantic right whales occur in the Gulf of Maine by conducting monthly visual surveys from vessels and planes. These surveys have been conducted monthly since July of 2024 and the program began publishing quarterly reports in 2025. The results presented here are preliminary findings from...

By Liz Michaud, Green and White Hope, and Annie Sokoloski On July 21, fishing communities across Maine will unite to honor those lost at sea on Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day. This year’s observance marks a historic milestone, as Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day is now officially recognized in Maine law, ensuring that the sacrifices of Maine’s fishing families will be remembered for generations to come. Family and friends gather at last year's ceremony in Lubec. L Michaud...

By Sarah Leiter, DMR Division of Marine Mammal Research The Division of Marine Mammal Research Survey Program (NMFS Permit No. 27858) has been conducting monthly aerial and vessel surveys for North Atlantic right whales since July of 2024. The Program has completed an Annual Report summarizing aerial and vessel survey work conducted in 2025. This report is available on the DMR website https://www.maine.gov/dmr/science/right-whale/monitoring/visual-surveys. Most notably, despite conducting...