Aerial surveys spotted right whale Catalog #1703 “Wolf” and her newborn calf on Dec. 22, off Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville. Wolf is 37 years old, and this is her fifth calf.
“She last gave birth nine years ago during the 2015 calving season. Two more potential mothers and Catalog #1612 ‘Juno’ and calf were also sighted off the St. Johns River entrance during December,” said a recent release.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWC), 30 North Atlantic right whales have been sighted between North Carolina and Florida this winter, including four mothers with calves, and 17 potential mothers.
“Severe weather has hampered right whale research and monitoring efforts during December,” said the release. “While there have been a handful of verified sightings off our coast, right whales are likely active throughout Northeast Florida. Boaters are encouraged to keep a sharp lookout and use caution, particularly in rough seas.”
More information for boaters can be found at https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/right-whales/boaters/. The FWC encourages communities to continue to report right whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the USCG on VHF Ch. 16.