CLEARWATER, FL (Nov. 22, 2024) – The first North Atlantic right whale of the 2024-2025 calving season was sighted in the Southeast U.S. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. ‘Black Heart,’ ID Catalog #3540 was sighted approximately two nautical miles east of High Hills, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C., by the North Carolina Early Warning System (NCWS) survey team from Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI). Black Heart is approximately 19 years old and is recorded as having one calf in the past.
As November marks the beginning of the calving season, CMARI’s dedicated team took to the skies Nov. 16 to conduct aerial surveys, contributing to the continued protection of the majestic species. Currently it is estimated there are approximately 370 North Atlantic right whales remaining. Scientifically known as Eubalaena glacialis, there are fewer than 70 reproductively active females, which further highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Calving season is an especially vulnerable period for North Atlantic right whales. To protect the species in their calving grounds and migratory route, Seasonal Management Areas have been designated off the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, starting in November. In these areas, vessels 65 feet and greater are required to maintain a speed of 10 knots or less to minimize the risk of collisions.
“It is extremely important through these seasonal management areas to provide a safe haven for mothers and calves in the only known calving ground for this species,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Executive Director of CMARI. For half a century, North Atlantic right whales have been protected by the Marie Mammal Protection act and listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
On their ongoing commitment to safeguarding the North Atlantic right whale, CMARI aerial teams collaborate with various organizations including NOAA Fisheries, Georgia DNR, South Carolina DNR, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, U.S. Navy, Duke University, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Together, they work tirelessly to mitigate vessel collisions, monitor reproductive rates, provide crucial scientific data for marine decision-makers, assist in disentangling whales from fishing gear, locate carcasses for recovery and necropsies, and aid in genetic research.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
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