Ultra-rare whale washed up off Florida is a new species, scientists say

Good News Notes: “The animal formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale could need a new name. The endangered whale may — upon confirmation — be an entirely new species, according to research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Scientists have long puzzled over the whales, with fewer than 100 estimated in existence, perhaps…

Family of 4 Clinging to Overturned Boat Rescued in Gulf of Mexico

Good News Notes: “A family of four is lucky to be alive after clinging on to their overturned boat before they were rescued in the Gulf of Mexico. The family — consisting of two adults and their children, aged 11 and 8 — sent out a distress call on the radio Wednesday morning to report…

For injured turtles, a return to the sea

Good News Notes: “Seven months after washing up on the shores of Cape Cod, Mass., No. 300 stoically scanned the powdery beach while being held aloft by Maryland’s second-highest elected official. It was hardly the strangest thing to befall the young Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, a Gulf of Mexico native, since the animal found itself…

6 sea turtles to be released into the Gulf

Good News Notes: “The turtles have been at the Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) since November 2018, when they were flown in on a private plane from Massachusetts. The turtles became cold-stunned by cold temperatures. There is a large number of stranded turtles in New England, so the New England Aquarium reached out to other…