NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WPRI) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is monitoring a North Atlantic right whale seen entangled about 50 miles off the coast of Block Island.

NOAA said a crew conducting an aerial survey on Tuesday spotted the adult male with rope coming out of both sides of its mouth.

Entangled male North Atlantic right whale #4143 was seen swimming approximately 50 miles south of Block Island, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Entangled male North Atlantic right whale #4143 was seen swimming approximately 50 miles south of Block Island. (Courtesy: NOAA Fisheries)

The rope wasn’t wrapped around the entire whale, according to NOAA. The agency said he’s been eating and appears to be in good condition.

NOAA said it will keep an eye on the whale, however, it’s too far off shore to conduct a rescue.

NOAA also noted that it first saw this whale as a calf in 2011, then again last month, but with no entanglement.