Since 2023, the North Atlantic right whale population has grown by 4%, reaching around 372 individuals, but the species remains critically endangered. Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes continue to be major threats, with two entangled whales spotted off Massachusetts in late 2024. In early 2024, NOAA and the Biden administration launched new efforts to protect right whales while supporting offshore wind energy. Additionally, researchers are developing new technologies to prevent vessel collisions and fishing gear entanglements.

In January 2025, researchers spotted two North Atlantic right whales, Grand Teton (44) with her ninth calf, and Check Mark (18) with her first calf off Florida’s coast, offering hope for the species. A U.S. court also reinstated seasonal lobster and crab fishing restrictions - from February 1 to April 30 annually - off the coast Massachusetts to protect right whales from deadly entanglements.

In February 2025, a rare sighting of a North Atlantic right whale mother and calf was spotted near New York City. Right whales typically give birth off the southeastern U.S. coast in winter, making this an unusual and hopeful sight. Scientists see this as a sign that some whales may be adapting to changing ocean conditions. However, they also warn that busy shipping routes and human activity in the area pose risks to the new-found duo. This sighting highlights the urgency for stronger protections to ensure the survival of newborn calves.

North Atlantic right whales have been observed in Cape Cod Bay, marking calving season. And on March 15, researchers spotted a right whale named Nauset (31) with her calf five miles west of Great Island. With only around 70 reproductively active females, this is an extremely encouraging sight.

On April 15, two right whales were spotted near Bimini Island in The Bahamas, which was the first recorded sighting of the species in that region. Earlier, on April 17, whale #2460 (aka. "Monarch") was sighted with her fifth calf in Cape Cod Bay, marking one of only 11 identified calves this season. On April 23, over 60 whales were observed feeding near shipping lanes south of Martha's Vineyard. This prompted NOAA to establish a voluntary slow zone to mitigate ship strikes.

On May  1st, the New England Aquarium reported more than 75 right whales feeding in shipping lanes south of Martha’s Vineyard. This is one of the largest spring aggregations ever recorded. Thus, NOAA Fisheries responded by designating a voluntary Slow Zone. This urges vessels to reduce speed to 10 knots or less in the area to mitigate ship-strike risk. Additionally, Calvin (Whale #2223), who was long presumed dead due to severe entanglement injuries, unexpectedly was spotted with a group, marking her first recorded sighting in nearly three years. On May  19th, the AP reported only 11 mother–calf pairs sighted during the calving season. This is well below the usual around 50 births per season needed to sustain population growth.