A series of sightings of North Atlantic right whales and their calves were reported by various research organizations and agencies, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The sightings took place off the coasts of Georgia and Florida between December 2023 and January 2024. The whales, such as Swerve, Butterfly, Skittle, and Fenway, were seen with their calves, some of whom were newborns. The research was conducted under NOAA permits and funded by various organizations, including the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, Navy, and NOAA Fisheries. Some of the whales, like Wolf and Fenway, were identified as being at least 37 years old and had given birth in previous calving seasons. Not all calves were thriving, as seen in the case of Half Note, whose calf was not expected to survive. The sightings provide valuable information about the population and reproductive success of North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species facing numerous threats in their habitat. This data is crucial for conservation efforts and monitoring the health and well-being of these majestic marine mammals.
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North Atlantic Right Whales’ Calving Season in 2024
