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.

It is unusual to see so many right whales off the Maine coast, especially this time of year, but research scientists with the New England Aquarium note that large aggregations have been spotted in several unexpected places over the last 12 months.

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.