North Atlantic Right Whales Returning to Coastal Waters
It’s that time of year again! The beautiful coastlines of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida are welcoming back some very special visitors: the North Atlantic right whales. After spending a good seven months in the waters of the northeastern United States, these majestic marine mammals are making their way back south for the calving season. From mid-November to mid-April, this is when the whales are busy giving birth, a crucial time for their dwindling population.
Recent Sightings Bring Hope
Even though North Atlantic right whales are facing serious challenges, recent sightings in the coastal waters of South Carolina and Georgia have sparked a spark of hope among researchers and marine enthusiasts. On December 1, researchers from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) spotted an adorable mother-calf pair just five miles off the coast of Sapelo Island, Georgia. What’s even more heartwarming is that this particular calf is the fifth documented offspring of a 31-year-old mother named Nauset. This marks Nauset’s first birth since the 2020-2021 season — what a joy!
Another mom and calf were spotted in November near Charleston, South Carolina, emitting pure joy among those who had the chance to witness them. These sightings are rare gems in the conservation world since North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species.
The Plight of North Atlantic Right Whales
Being an endangered species is a tough road for any animal, and North Atlantic right whales have been navigating it since they were listed as endangered in 1970. Unfortunately, only about 370 of these magnificent whales remain, with fewer than 70 females capable of reproduction. Their continued struggle primarily stems from fatal entanglements in fishing gear and tragic vessel strikes. Dr. Eric W. Montie, a marine scientist at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, points out that these incidents are becoming increasingly severe due to the rising demand for shipping.
Tragically, of the five right whales lost in 2024, three were victims of vessel strikes. This grim statistic is particularly concerning since it includes reproductive females and calves, threatening the future of the species.
Understanding Right Whale Whales: A Unique Identification
Did you know that researchers can identify North Atlantic right whales through their unique callosity patterns—those white patches that grow on their heads shortly after birth? This clever identification method allows scientists to keep track of individual whales. For example, the duo spotted off Sapelo Island were identified as Nauset and her new calf, highlighting the value of these identification techniques in understanding and protecting this vulnerable species.
The Importance of Awareness and Compliance
As these whales make their annual trek to calving grounds, it’s important for boaters to be aware of their presence. Federal regulations mandate that vessels over 65 feet should travel at a speed of 10 knots or less in designated areas from November 1 to April 30. Unfortunately, compliance is shockingly low. Reports indicate that in Charleston and Savannah, fewer than 7% of boats adhered to these regulations in 2021-2022, with many traveling at an average speed of around 14 knots.
This raises a serious concern for the well-being of mother-calf pairs, which are especially vulnerable. Their dark coloring and lack of dorsal fins make them hard to spot. Many boaters report not even seeing a whale before a collision occurs, which just emphasizes how critical it is to stay vigilant.
Every Whale Counts!
As the calving season continues, every sighting of North Atlantic right whales serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect these incredible creatures. Dr. Montie urges everyone to recognize that “every animal counts.” With both their numbers and genetic diversity declining, it’s up to all of us—whether researchers, policymakers, or enthusiastic boaters—to play our part in ensuring a healthier future for the North Atlantic right whales. Let’s keep our eyes on the water, be mindful of the rules, and allow these magnificent creatures to thrive in our coastal waters!
