North Atlantic Right Whales Make Their Journey Back to the Carolinas
As winter rolls in, the typically tranquil waters off the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida are buzzing with excitement! After spending approximately seven months in their northeastern feeding grounds, some of the North Atlantic right whales have begun their incredible journey back south, traveling over 1,000 miles to the warmer waters of the southeastern United States. Talk about a long-distance migration!
A Glimpse of Hope During Calving Season
The calving season, which lasts from mid-November to mid-April, has kicked off. Despite the alarming dwindling numbers of these majestic creatures, right whales continue to follow their age-old migration pattern to give birth to their young. Researchers have already spotted right whales swimming through South Carolina and Georgia’s coastal waters, which brings some much-needed hope to conservationists and whale enthusiasts alike.
On December 1, a committed team of researchers from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) was thrilled to catch sight of a right whale and her calf just five miles off the coast of Sapelo Island, Georgia. In November, another mother-calf duo was seen by an observant boater off Cape Romain, north of Charleston, South Carolina. It’s truly heartwarming to see these animals returning home!
Meet Nauset and Her Calf
Researchers identified the mother whale spotted near Sapelo Island as a remarkable 31-year-old named Nauset, accompanied by her fifth documented calf. This is especially exciting because it marks the first time she has given birth since the 2020-2021 season. Every new calf is a glimmer of hope in a world where the North Atlantic right whale population has been deemed critically endangered.
Why Are Right Whales Endangered?
Right whales got their name because they were historically considered the “right” whale to hunt due to their slow-moving nature and high blubber content. Sadly, that same delicacy has led to their near-extinction. There are now only about 370 North Atlantic right whales remaining, including fewer than 70 females who can reproduce, according to experts from CMARI. Their most significant threats are vessel strikes and chronic entanglement in fishing gear, and with shipping needs on the rise, the situation looks even bleaker.
Just last year during calving season, a calf that was first sighted with its mother tragically lost its life due to injuries caused by a vessel strike. The losses are particularly alarming since they often include reproductive females and their young.
Awareness is Key—What We Can Do
With the alarming news about the number of right whales dwindling, many are asking what can be done to help. Dr. Eric W. Montie, an associate professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, emphasizes that “every animal counts.” Mother-calf pairs are especially at risk since they often stay close to the surface of the water, making them hard to spot.
Unfortunately, compliance with federal laws meant to protect these whales is dismally low. Vessels that are 65 feet or greater must go no faster than 10 knots in designated Seasonal Management Areas from November through April. However, a ship monitoring project revealed that compliance in Charleston and Savannah harbors was less than 7% during the 2021-2022 season. The mean vessel speed was around 14 knots—much faster than allowed. It’s essential for boaters to adhere to these regulations to protect these incredible animals.
In Conclusion
The North Atlantic right whales are embarking on their incredible journey right now, and while the odds might be stacked against them, every sighting, every calf, is a step towards reversing their acute decline. So, the next time you’re out on the water in the Carolinas, keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures, and remember—every action counts in protecting our ocean’s wonders.
