The first North Atlantic right whale of the 2024-25 calving season was sighted in the Southeast United States on Wednesday.
Black Heart (ID catalog #3540) was sighted approximately two nautical miles east of High Hills, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C., by the early warning system survey team from Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.
Black Heart is approximately 19 years old and is recorded as having one calf in the past.
It is estimated there are approximately 370 North Atlantic right whales remaining. Scientifically known as Eubalaena glacialis, there are fewer than 70 reproductively active females.
November marks the beginning of the calving season, an especially vulnerable period for North Atlantic right whales. To protect the species in their calving grounds and migratory route, seasonal management areas have been designated off the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. In these areas, vessels 65 feet and greater are required to maintain a speed of 10 knots or less to minimize the risk of collisions.
“It is extremely important through these seasonal management areas to provide a safe haven for mothers and calves in the only known calving ground for this species,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, executive director of CMARI.
For half a century, North Atlantic right whales have been protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
CMARI aerial teams collaborate with various organizations including:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
- U.S. Navy
- Duke University
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Crystal Graham
