A newly born North Atlantic right whale suffered serious injury recently as a result of a ship strike. Born of the whale Juno, the calf was first seen by a Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute team off South Carolina on Nov. 28.
“Anglers fishing off South Carolina’s South Edisto River inlet saw the calf with its mother on Jan. 3,” according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. “The calf approached the boat as it sat still, offering a close look.
“Scientists hope the animal is seen again so they can better assess its injuries. Each calf is crucial. North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whales, with fewer than 350 left.”
Injuries on the calf’s head, mouth and left lip are consistent with a propeller strike. DNR staff videoed Juno and her calf off Sapelo Island on Dec. 4, and they were last seen, before the injury, on Dec. 9 off Amelia Island.
DNR biologists determined the injuries, when observed, were at least a few days old and could cause problems nursing for the calf.
“After reviewing this case, NOAA Fisheries biologists made a preliminary determination that it meets the criteria of a ‘serious injury,’” according to a NOAA Fisheries statement. “This means the whale is likely to die as a result. We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor this calf and further document its injuries. This is the 35th ‘serious injury’ case in the ongoing ‘unusual mortality event’ impacting North Atlantic right whales.
“The UME began in 2017 and has documented 122 individuals so far, including this calf: 36 dead, 35 seriously injured, and 51 otherwise sick or injured whales.”
Right whales are dark colored, move slowly and near the surface of the water, making them tough to spot. Vessels 65 feet and longer are required to move at 10 knots or fewer in the seasonal management area off the South Atlantic coast during calving season. The federal government is pursuing a rule change to increase the mandate to vessels 35 feet or longer, and all boaters are urged to be careful and keep an eye out.
People can report sightings of calves and other right whales to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the U.S. Coast Guard through marine VHF channel 16. It’s important to note the time, location and sighting details. However, people are also urged to stay at least 500 yards away from right whales and never follow one.