Fourteen new North Atlantic right whales have been discovered this calving season, nine of which were spotted off Georgia in the past two weeks.
The sightings came from aerial and boat survey teams, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The increase in cub sightings is particularly timely as it brings hope to the endangered species during the critical calving season.
On December 16, an aerial survey team discovered Right Whale #3157 (aka “Cascade”) and her calf approximately 21 miles east of Osabo Island, Georgia. The cub was less than four days old at the time of the sighting, making it an exciting find for researchers.
The next day, December 17, right whale #3101 named “Harmonia” and her calf were sighted approximately 11 miles east of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Both whales are 25 years old and this is their fourth known calf.
Another sighting on December 20 was right whale #2614, nicknamed “Tripelago,” observed approximately 38 miles off Osabo Island, Georgia, accompanied by her sixth known calf. Tripelago is 30 years old.
The next day, December 21, right whale #2642, known as “Echo,” and her calf were sighted about 22 miles east of Little St. Simons Island, Georgia. Echo is also 30 years old and this is her fourth known calf.
Researchers anticipate more sightings as the calving season progresses and hope to spot more mothers and calves in the coming weeks.
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