The journey to Aquinnah was two-fold: a tow by sea to the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard in Vineyard Haven, and then a land transport up-Island.

Scientists have yet to determine the cause of death as of Monday afternoon, but the dead calf represents another blow to the critically endangered whale species, which has dwindled to fewer than 360 individuals in recent years.

After seven years on the decline, the global population of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale may be starting to level off, providing a glimpse of hope for the species’ survival. 

The money, made available by the Inflation Reduction Act, is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to address the right whale crisis and their primary threats, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

Under pressure to reduce the environmental impacts of its wind farm located 15 miles off the Vineyard coast, Vineyard Wind has turned to artificial intelligence in a bid to protect the endangered right whale population.

The Center for Coastal Studies recently issued a reminder and request for mariners to slow down for right whale protection efforts.