Two North Atlantic right whales have been seen entangled in fishing equipment off the coast of Massachusetts, and one of them is expected to die due to its injuries, according to a federal report.

These whales are critically endangered, with their population now below 400 individuals, facing severe threats from both fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes. An aerial survey conducted on December 9 located these whales approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

One of the spotted whales is identified as a juvenile with a heavy line wrapped around its head and back, which is likely to lead to its demise, the agency indicated. The other whale is an adult female, and biologists believe she may have sustained a non-lethal injury from the entanglement.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NOAA announced plans to collaborate with authorized responders and trained professionals to keep an eye on these whales while further documenting their entanglements. The agency also aims to evaluate whether any effective entanglement response measures can be implemented.

This report comes shortly after researchers shared new information this fall showing a modest increase in the North Atlantic right whale population. Approximately two months prior, a research team noted a population rise of around 4% from 2020.

Despite this positive news, the researchers and environmental activists warned that these whales remain at risk of extinction. From 2010 to 2020, their population had declined by roughly 25%, underscoring the fragility of their survival.

The entanglement of these two whales highlights the urgent need for improved protections, asserted Gib Brogan, campaign director at Oceana. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations regarding commercial fishing practices and shipping activities to better safeguard the whales.