For the first time this season, a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale has been spotted entangled in fishing gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, off the coast of New Brunswick, Canada. The adult female whale, known as Shelagh, was observed dragging gear that appears to be caught in her mouth, according to a statement released by the federal Fisheries Department. The Marine Mammal Response Program is attempting to remove the gear, but the whale’s location far offshore poses a challenge. The type and origin of the fishing gear remain unknown. The incident highlights the ongoing threat to right whales from entanglement, with 85% of individuals having been entangled at least once. The population, estimated at around 360, faces serious challenges, including ship strikes and habitat loss.