North Atlantic right whales continuing to feed in a southern section of Cape Cod Bay

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(Cool photo at http://images.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CC&Date=20090422&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=904220321&Ref=AR&MaxW=570&MaxH=370&title=1&border=0">Cape Cod Times)

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PROVINCETOWN Aprill 22, 2009 — Researchers reported yesterday that an abundant population of North Atlantic right whales is continuing to feed in a southern section of Cape Cod Bay.

Humpback and fin whales are also congregating off Race Point Light in Provincetown, according to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies officials. "It's a great whale-watching time," said researcher Charles "Stormy" Mayo.

The North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species. Scientists estimate there are 300 to 400 North Atlantic right whales in the world. An aerial count of the endangered whales conducted Friday found at least 70 of the marine mammals in areas south of Wellfleet, according to survey director Ruth Leeney. Included in that count were three pairs of mothers and calves, Leeney said.

The 2009 right whale birthing season produced 39 calves in waters off Georgia and Florida, a record for the rare animal.

In addition to tracking whales in local waters this week, the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies conducted a whale rescue. The group's entanglement response team freed a humpback Monday north of Race Point Light.

More: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090422/NEWS/904220321/-1/NEWSMAP