Category: Insight

North Atlantic right whales received some encouraging news this year: 23 calves were documented during the 2026 calving season, the highest number since 2009. Each year, some North Atlantic right whales migrate more than 1,000 miles from feeding grounds in the Northeast to coastal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. NOAA Fisheries…

Orleans Elementary’s second graders dove into whale studies this fall, welcoming MotionInfo for a hands-on lesson about how StationKeeper helps safeguard North Atlantic Right Whales. Students built their own artistic model units and created stop-motion films—one of which proudly highlights StationKeeper in action. As part of a semester-long unit on whales, the students had been…

In a small but meaningful win for conservation, the North Atlantic Right Whale’s estimated population has ticked up to 384 individuals—an increase of eight whales over the prior year. From the Brink to a Slow Climb A decade ago this species was spiraling downward: by 2020, their numbers were estimated at fewer than 350, following a steep ~25%…

A groundbreaking 24-foot research vessel has taken the stage as a floating testbed for the Whale and Vessel Safety (WAVS) Taskforce’s latest whale-detection technologies. Unveiled at the American Boating Congress, the vessel—a Contender outfitted with a Yamaha 300 outboard engine—serves as a mobile innovation lab on the water What’s on Board: Why It Matters: As…

The North Atlantic right whale, with fewer than 370 individuals remaining, is critically endangered. Vessel strikes are a leading cause of mortality for these majestic creatures. In a groundbreaking effort to mitigate this threat, MotionInfo has partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Conserve.IO, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to implement high-tech…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Portland, ME – A cutting-edge system initially designed for vessel collision avoidance is now being deployed along the U.S. East Coast to alert vessel operators in real-time when they enter NOAA-designated Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) requiring reduced speeds to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW). This innovative use of Automatic…

In a remarkable and rare sighting, 75 endangered North Atlantic Right Whales were recently observed off the coast of Maine. With fewer than 350 of these whales left in the world, this gathering highlights both a critical conservation milestone and an urgent reminder of the threats they face. The sighting, reported in Seacoast Online, underscores the importance…

The North Atlantic Right Whale, one of the most endangered marine species, faces growing threats from vessel strikes and entanglement. Recently, a proposed NOAA rule to expand speed restrictions for smaller boats in certain zones to protect these whales was not passed. This decision has sparked a complex debate, balancing the needs of marine conservation…

The North Atlantic Right Whale is critically endangered, facing severe threats from human activity, especially vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement. To combat these challenges, MotionInfo developed StationKeeper, an innovative system that uses AIS technology to monitor vessel movements and communicate real-time safety information. This proactive approach not only enhances maritime safety but also plays…