by The federal Fisheries Department says the first right whale reported in Canadian waters this year has been seen off the coast of Cape Breton.
It says the whale was spotted from the air swimming near eastern Cape Breton, yesterday.
18 of the endangered whales died in Canadian and US waters last year, mainly from being hit by boats or getting caught up in fishing gear.
As a result, Ottawa has imposed new rules for fishermen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
They include limits on the amount of rope that can be used, and a mandatory reporting of any lost gear.
Fishermen also have to document any sightings or interactions with the whales.
That will lead to an area around them being temporarily closed to fishing.