A sixth North Atlanic right whale has been found drifting in Canadian waters.
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) confirmed the death in a press release Thursday night, stating the whale was spotted during an aerial surveillance flight over the Gaspé Peninsula.
DFO is currently assisting with the recovery of the whale and is assessing necropsy options.
READ MORE: North Atlantic right whales are dying in Canada. Here’s what we know so far
The North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species. There are believed to be just over 400 remaining.
The right whale is one of the largest mammals in the sea, but it is among the most at risk. Researchers say they’re relatively new in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The first whale confirmed dead this year was spotted June 4.
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The recent spate of whale deaths has prompted Transport Canada to immediately implement a precautionary speed restriction in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Vessels of 20 metres or more in length now a speed restriction of 10 knots when travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as in the two designated shipping lanes north and south of Anticosti Island.
READ MORE: 5th North Atlantic right whale dead in Canadian waters, speed limits imposed in Gulf of St. Lawrence
Failure to comply with the speed limits can result in a $25,000 fine.
With files from The Canadian Press.
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