A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE on September 16, 2026, has uncovered new insights into the feeding habits of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Researchers, including Jay Kirkham from Dalhousie University in Canada, attached advanced tracking devices to 23 of these whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These devices included accelerometers, which measure movement; gyroscopes, which detect orientation; magnetometers, which sense magnetic fields; depth recorders; underwater microphones; video cameras; and light sensors. Together, these tools allowed scientists to monitor the whales' body position, movement, and behavior as they swam through their environment. The data collected revealed that North Atlantic right whales spend between 11% and 76% of their time feeding, with an average of 11.4 hours per day. During the day, the whales were observed feeding near the seafloor, but at night, they moved to the surface to forage. This behavior is likely linked to the movement of their primary prey, zooplankton, which also migrate closer to the surface at night. This nighttime surface feeding behavior had not been previously documented in this species, highlighting a gap in our understanding of their ecology. The study also found that the whales spent approximately 25% of their feeding time outside designated vessel exclusion zones—areas where ship traffic is restricted to reduce the risk of collisions. This raises concerns about the whales’ exposure to ship strikes, particularly during the night when they are feeding closer to the surface. Additionally, the researchers captured the first-ever video footage of North Atlantic right whales feeding on the seafloor, offering a rare glimpse into their feeding strategies. To analyze the vast amount of data collected, the team used machine learning models, which accurately identified feeding behaviors in 95% of cases when compared to manual observations. The researchers emphasized that understanding these nocturnal feeding patterns is crucial for improving conservation strategies, as previous assumptions about the whales’ behavior may have led to ineffective protection measures. The study not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers hope for the survival of one of the world’s most endangered marine species.