Boaters off the coast of Georgia, South Carolina, and northeast Florida are being asked to report sightings of an injured North Atlantic right whale calf.
The calf, one of only nine documented in the Southeast so far this winter, has wounds on its head consistent with being hit by a boat propeller. Anglers fishing off South Carolina’s South Edisto River inlet saw the calf with its mother on Jan. 3. The calf approached the boat as it sat still, offering a close look.
Scientists are hopeful that the calf will be spotted again to enable them to more thoroughly assess its injuries. Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials say each calf is crucial. The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whales in the world, with fewer than 350 left in the wild.
Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the leading causes of death for the species. The calf’s injuries are the latest in a series of attacks that have plagued the whale population.
In 2021, a calf was killed and its mother was injured when a boat struck it off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida. In 2020, a newborn calf was given antibiotics to treat severe injuries but died shortly after.
Wildlife officials are urging boaters to keep a lookout for the calf and other right whales. Sightings should be reported to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or through the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF channel 16.
This article was written using assistive AI technology
