BOSTON - About 75 North Atlantic right whales, representing about 20% of the critically endangered species' population worldwide, have gathered in an area off the coast of New England. A aerial survey team from the New England Aquarium spotted the whales this week along a 10-mile stretch off the western edge of Jeffreys Ledge.

A group of scientists saw over 75 North Atlantic right whales gathered in the Gulf of Maine. Here's what we know.

The whales were seen “in all directions: at the surface, swimming, and diving,” said Kate Laemmle, associate research technician in the Anderson Cabot Center who was aboard the aerial survey flights.

Biologists from the New England Aquarium say 20 percent of all the right whales in the world are together, right now, off the coast of New Hampshire.

There are at least 75 North Atlantic right whales gathered off New England in an unusual sighting. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said statements in President Biden’s farewell speech came much too late in a Thursday statement,