Canadian Space Agency using satellite data to track endangered right whales Through the smartWhales initiative, the federal government is investing $5.3 million to enhance Canada’s ability to detect and monitor the presence of North Atlantic right whales in Canadian waters. Social Sharing The Canadian Press · Posted: Jan 27, 2021 11:20 AM ET | Last Updated: January 27 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium estimate less than 400 North Atlantic right whales remain.(Michael Dwyer/Canadian Press/AP) The Canadian Space Agency is harnessing satellite technology to monitor and protect endangered North Atlantic right whales in the country's waters. The agency said Tuesday it will lead a $5.3-million project funded by the federal government called smartWhales, which will use satellites to detect the presence of right whales and to predict the animals' movements.