Scientists on a July 24 aerial survey flew over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, about 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod. They observed more than 1,000 marine animals, including seven fin whales, one endangered sperm whale, one humpback whale, two minke whales and more than 900 dolphins.

First, Kate Laemmle saw a recognizable tall, thin blow erupt out of the glassy Atlantic Ocean on a July 24 aerial survey. To see the exhale of an endangered fin whale was cool enough, the scientist thought.