North Atlantic Right Whale Health Updates 2024
An archive of updates from NOAA Fisheries on North Atlantic right whale health and stranding incidents in 2024.
🢐 2023 Updates | Latest Updates 🢒
Entangled North Atlantic Right Whale 5132 Off North Carolina
December 20, 2024
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On December 16, 2024, an aerial survey team from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute saw an entangled North Atlantic right whale approximately 60 miles east of the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The whale was identified as right whale #5132, a juvenile male born in 2021. He was last seen gear-free in October 2024 in the Bay of Fundy. #5132 has several lines crossing over and wrapping his head and mouth. Two buoys are attached to the line. There is also a single line trailing from the whale, which extends approximately 100 feet behind the flukes.
After reviewing the entanglement, NOAA Fisheries biologists have made a preliminary determination that it meets the Unusual Mortality Event criteria as a “serious injury” case. This designation means that right whale #5132 is likely to die as a result of the entanglement.
Entanglement response teams are on alert, although current weather conditions in the area are not safe for mounting an immediate response. As future conditions permit, we will work with authorized responders and trained experts to monitor the whale. We will further document the entanglement and determine if entanglement responses are possible if the whale is resighted.
This case is the third North Atlantic right whale documented as entangled in the span of a week. North Atlantic right whales remain vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear. Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species. Right whale #5132 is the 151st individual documented in the ongoing North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event, which includes dead, seriously injured, or otherwise health-compromised whales.
Right Whale 5120 Found Dead Near Martha's Vineyard
October 2, 2024: Cause of Death Determined
The necropsy, histopathologic (examination of tissues using a microscope), and diagnostic testing for North Atlantic right whale #5120 have been completed. The cause of death was determined to be due to the chronic entanglement. The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement investigation is still open.
February 14, 2024: Rope Removed from North Atlantic Right Whale #5120 Determined to be from Maine
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Based upon our analysis of the gear, including the purple markings on the rope recovered from North Atlantic right whale #5120, NOAA Fisheries has concluded that the rope is consistent with the rope used in Maine state water trap/pot buoy lines. We have been in consultation with our New England state resource management partners, and they have viewed the gear.
As of today the full necropsy results are still pending. The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement investigation remains open.
February 2, 2024: Preliminary Necropsy Results Show Chronic Entanglement
The necropsy of North Atlantic right whale #5120 was completed on February 1, 2024. From the necropsy, experts confirmed a chronic entanglement, with rope deeply embedded in the tail, and thin body condition. The necropsy showed no evidence of blunt force trauma. Cause of death is pending further histological and diagnostic testing of collected samples, which can take weeks to complete. We will share more information as soon as it has been confirmed.
February 2, 2024: Right Whale with Rope Embedded in Tail Stock Identified as #5120
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This week, scientists at the New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life reviewed several images of the dead North Atlantic right whale and made a match in the right whale catalog to whale #5120. Experts identified #5120 based on images showing clear matching features, such as callosity patterns and markings. This right whale female, the only known calf of Squilla (#3720), was born during the 2021 calving season.
This same whale was added as a serious injury case to the ongoing North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event on August 31, 2022, after the first sighting of a serious entanglement. It will now be moved to the mortality total for dead animals documented in the UME. The total number of animals in the UME remains at 122 with 37 dead, 34 seriously injured, and 51 in otherwise poor health.
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Stranding Network partners and collaborators, recovered the carcass of the whale. The carcass was relocated to a different location that allowed better access to heavy equipment and resources to conduct a necropsy (animal autopsy). A necropsy examination took place on February 1, 2024. It was led by large whale experts at International Fund for Animal Welfare, with the assistance of more than 20 biologists from:
- Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
- Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
- Whale Dolphin Conservation
- New England Aquarium
- Center for Coastal Studies
- Marine Mammals of Maine
- Virginia Aquarium
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Information gathered through the necropsy included measurements and photographs, along with biological samples collected to learn more about the whale’s physiology. It further documented the wounds and additional factors that may have contributed to the animal’s death. Preliminary findings may be available soon, but further histological and diagnostic testing of collected samples can take weeks to complete. We will share updated information as soon as it has been confirmed.
A Fisheries and Oceans Canada aerial team first observed #5120 entangled on August 20, 2022, about 48 miles east of Shippagan, New Brunswick. She had multiple wraps of line around her tail and flukes, two small buoys at the flukes, and an estimated 200 feet of line trailing behind her. The entanglement was deemed serious because—at only 1 year old—the rope encircling her tail stock would likely tighten as she grew.
In January 2023 she was seen entangled in Cape Cod Bay by the Center for Coastal Studies aerial survey team. Their Marine Animal Entanglement Response team attempted to disentangle her multiple times, but had little success. There was no trailing gear to work with, and there were unfavorable conditions for small boat operations, including inclement weather and distance from shore.
Whale #5120 was last seen in June 2023 by Northeast Fisheries Science Center aerial observers, 60 miles northeast of Shippagan, New Brunswick. She was feeding with other whales. Her overall condition had declined and the wounds from the wraps of rope at the peduncle appeared to be more severe. No trailing line or buoys were seen.
January 30, 2024
On January 28, state law enforcement officials collected some of the rope that was entangled around, and embedded in, the whale’s tail. They turned it over to NOAA’s Office Law Enforcement. The rope will now be examined by gear experts. Authorized members of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network are planning to perform a necropsy (an animal autopsy) to investigate the cause of death as logistics allow.
January 28, 2024
On the afternoon of January 28, 2024, NOAA Fisheries was notified of a deceased female North Atlantic right whale near Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. NOAA Fisheries and the International Fund for Animal Welfare—an organization that responds to stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and the South Coast of Massachusetts—will work closely with the Massachusetts Environmental Police and local responders on next steps, including:
- Edgartown Police
- Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
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IFAW and the Tribe were able to secure the whale, and a necropsy will be performed when weather conditions become more favorable. Preliminary observations indicate the presence of rope entangled near the whale’s tail (around the peduncle). Due to the animal’s position, the whale cannot be identified at this time, but it is estimated to be a juvenile due to its size. We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
There is an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event for North Atlantic right whales, and this whale is the 37th documented mortality. Primary threats to the species are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes. Climate change is also affecting every aspect of their survival. The North Atlantic Right Whale Road to Recovery describes NOAA Fisheries' comprehensive efforts to address threats to the species and monitor recovery progress.
Dropcloth (Right Whale 1271) Seen Entangled in Canada
August 5, 2024
On July 27, 2024, a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada aerial survey team saw North Atlantic right whale “Dropcloth” (#1271) entangled east of Shippagan, New Brunswick in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. U.S. researchers last saw him gear free in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, on April 2, 2024. Current photographs show he is in poor body condition. Thick line can be seen exiting both sides of his mouth and joining in a tangle with a white bullet buoy just behind the blowholes. There appears to be no trailing gear. The aerial survey team documented the entanglement, but the Canadian disentanglement team could not respond given the time of day and distance from shore. Teams are on standby to respond in the future if they see the whale again.
Dropcloth is an adult male of unknown age, first sighted in 1978. He was given his name because of the smattering of white scars along both of his jaws, like a painter's drop cloth.
Dropcloth was added to the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event in 2019 as a “morbidity” (sublethal) case from an earlier entanglement. At this time, we do not know exactly when or where Dropcloth became newly entangled. After reviewing this new entanglement, NOAA Fisheries has made a preliminary determination that it meets the criteria of a “serious injury,” which means without intervention he is likely to die as a result of the entanglement. Dropcloth’s inclusion in the UME will be updated to reflect his new status as a serious injury. The total number of animals in the UME remains 142; however, there are now 41 dead, 36 seriously injured, and 65 sublethally ill or injured whales.
We will continue to work with our Canadian and U.S. colleagues, including trained and authorized entanglement responders, to monitor and document Dropcloth and other North Atlantic right whales.
Recent Cases Discovered in Canadian Waters
July 15, 2024
On July 15, 2024, NOAA Fisheries added three recent North Atlantic right whale cases observed in Canadian waters to the ongoing transboundary Unusual Mortality Event. The UME began in 2017 and includes cases discovered in both the United States and Canada.
Case 1
On May 12, 2024, a Transport Canada aerial survey plane first documented a partial whale carcass floating 75 miles offshore of Nova Scotia, Canada. It consisted of a portion of the lower body and tail, and it was scavenged. Canadian colleagues later searched for the carcass via aerial survey; however, it could not be relocated to be examined, sampled, or recovered. Experts reviewed photos and videos of this case and have determined that it is likely a North Atlantic right whale. This animal has been added to the UME as a probable/presumed mortality case. The identification of this individual remains unknown.
Update (September 2025): The New England Aquarium matched this previously unidentified partial carcass to "Katahdin" (#4633), a subadult female born in 2016. She was already included in the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event as a morbidity case. Katahdin's inclusion in the UME will be updated to reflect her death.
Case 2
On June 11, 2024, Transport Canada reported an entangled North Atlantic right whale south of Anticosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. They observed rope trailing from both sides of the whale’s mouth with one line crossing over the whale’s back. The entanglement is non-constricting and not considered immediately life threatening. At this time, the individual has been added to the UME as a new morbidity case. The identification of this individual remains unknown, and it has not been seen again.
Case 3
On June 22, 2024, teams from the Canadian Whale Institute and the New England Aquarium saw an entangled North Atlantic right whale close to Miscou Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. The whale had line in its mouth and wrapped around its body and flippers. Weather conditions were not safe enough to remove the entangling gear. However, responders were able to attach a telemetry buoy to help resight the animal and allow further disentanglement attempts.
On July 2, 2024, Canadian response teams successfully cut the wrap of line across the body. Responders monitored the weather and location of the animal to determine when another response may be possible to attempt removing the remaining line.
The New England Aquarium matched photographs to a 1-year-old female, the 2023 calf of #1812. The last pre-entanglement sighting of this individual was off Florida in February 2024. The calf has been added to the UME as a serious injury given the extensive and complicated entanglement.
On July 10, 2024, Canadian response teams were able to fully disentangle this whale in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada.
We will continue to work with our Canadian colleagues, including trained and authorized entanglement responders, to monitor right whales and respond to cases when possible.
Calf of Right Whale Skittle (3260) Presumed Dead
May 16, 2024
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The calf of North Atlantic right whale “Skittle” (#3260) is presumed dead. Mom and calf were last seen together on March 12, 2024, off St. Simons Island, Georgia. On March 21, 2024, Skittle was seen without her calf on the calving grounds. She was spotted again without her calf in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, on April 16, 2024. Young right whale calves depend on their mothers for nutrition, and may nurse for up to a year. Since researchers saw Skittle twice without her calf, the calf is presumed dead. Skittle’s first known calf, born in 2010, also likely died soon after it was born.
This calf is the fourth calf of the 2024 North Atlantic right whale calving season to be missing, and presumed dead. Others include the calves of right whale #1950, right whale #3780 and right whale #1301 (Half Note). Additionally, the calf of right whale #1612 (Juno) died at only 4 months old from extensive injuries caused by a vessel strike. Every mom and calf is critical to the recovery of this endangered species. The North Atlantic right whale Road to Recovery describes our comprehensive efforts to address threats to the species and monitor recovery progress.
Right Whale 4143 Seen Entangled off Block Island
April 12, 2024
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On April 9, 2024, a NOAA aerial survey reported an entangled North Atlantic right whale swimming approximately 50 miles south of Block Island, Rhode Island. The whale has been identified as adult male #4143. He was first seen as a calf in 2011 and most recently seen gear-free in Cape Cod Bay in March 2024.
Right whale #4143 has rope coming out of both sides of its mouth. The rope also trails beyond the flukes, but the rope does not wrap around the whole body. Fortunately, the whale’s overall condition is good, and he was observed feeding during the aerial sighting. Given the long distance from shore, experts were unable to safely travel to the last known location of the whale during daylight to attempt a rescue. NOAA Fisheries and our partners will monitor this whale and attempt to respond to the entanglement, if possible, as weather and safety conditions allow.
After reviewing this new entanglement, NOAA Fisheries biologists have made a preliminary determination that it meets the Unusual Mortality Event criteria as a “morbidity” (sublethal injury) case. Right whale #4143 is the 126th right whale and 52nd morbidity case in the ongoing North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event.
Dead Female Right Whale (1950) Off Virginia
April 4, 2024
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On April 2, 2024, experts conducted a necropsy (animal autopsy) on the adult female North Atlantic right whale #1950. Preliminary findings included catastrophic injuries with a dislocation of the whale’s spine and fractures to all vertebrae in the lower back. These findings are consistent with blunt force trauma from a vessel strike prior to death. Additional histological and diagnostic testing of samples is pending. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating this incident.
Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species. Vessel strikes are one of the leading causes of the ongoing North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event. The loss of a reproductive female is particularly devastating to the population, and this whale had a young, dependent calf. The calf has not been seen since it was last spotted with its mother on February 16, 2024 off Amelia Island, Florida. We do not expect the calf to survive without protection and nursing from its mother.
April 2, 2024
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On the morning of March 30, 2024, a company conducting Mid-Atlantic whale surveys for the Navy (HDR, Inc.), notified NOAA Fisheries of a dead North Atlantic right whale. It was floating approximately 50 miles offshore east of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The whale has been identified as adult female #1950—a mom from the 2024 calving season. She was first seen in 1989 and gave birth to her sixth calf this winter. Her calf was not seen in the vicinity of the carcass. NOAA Fisheries and our partners have towed the whale to shore for a necropsy. The whale carcass was scavenged by sharks; wind, weather, and distance from shore presented additional logistical challenges for the tow. We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
Unfortunately, this whale is the 40th mortality in the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event impacting North Atlantic right whales. Her calf is also considered a seriously injured dependent calf in the UME due to the death of its mother. The UME began in 2017 and has documented 125 individuals so far, including these two whales: 40 dead, 34 seriously injured, and 51 otherwise sick or injured whales.
Thank you to the many partners and agencies involved in this effort so far, and those assisting with the necropsy.
Partners Assisting with Recovering, Towing, and Identifying #1950
- HDR, Inc. funded by United States Fleet Forces Command and managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic under the U.S. Navy’s Marine Species Monitoring Program
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute funded by United States Army Corps of Engineers
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- New England Aquarium
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast New England
- A skilled, local towing company
Partners Assisting with Necropsy
- Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- International Fund for Animal Welfare
- Marine Mammals of Maine
- North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- North Carolina State University's Center for Marine Sciences and Technology
- North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation
2024 Calf of Juno (Right Whale 1612)
March 7, 2024
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On March 4, 2024, experts completed a necropsy of the calf. There were multiple lacerations on the head from the recent vessel strike. They had penetrated into deep soft tissues and bone, leading to multiple sites of necrosis (tissue death). Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the primary causes of the Unusual Mortality Event.
The response and necropsy examination was conducted by partners including:
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Blue World Research Institute
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Savannah State University
- University of Florida
- NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
March 4, 2024
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On March 3, 2024, NOAA Fisheries was notified of a dead North Atlantic right whale stranded on Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia. Along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we identified the whale as the injured 2024 calf of right whale #1612 “Juno." The calf was first seen on January 3, 2024, with serious injuries to its head, mouth, and lip from a vessel strike.
The carcass was heavily scavenged by sharks. Responders identified it as Juno’s calf based on the unique injuries and markings documented when the calf was alive. Due to the state of the carcass, we will use genetic testing to determine the sex.
We will continue to work with our partners to perform a necropsy and evaluate the vessel strike wounds. Juno’s calf was previously added to the ongoing North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event as a serious injury, but will now be included as the 39th mortality case.
March 2, 2024
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On February 26, 2024, aerial and vessel survey teams observed Juno and her calf approximately 15 miles off St. Andrew Sound, Georgia. The calf was bleeding from the previously documented vessel strike wounds. On February 27, 2024, aerial and vessel survey teams searched for Juno and the calf and found them approximately 2 miles off St. Simons Island, Georgia. There was no visible bleeding from the calf’s wounds. On March 2, 2024, Juno was seen off St. Augustine, Florida without her calf.
February 9, 2024
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Right whale #1612 “Juno” and her injured calf were seen via aerial and vessel surveys on February 1, 2024, approximately 23 miles east of Sapelo Island, Georgia. Researchers observed apparent successful nursing. However, the long-term prognosis for the calf is still considered poor due to the severity of its injuries.
NOAA Fisheries will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor this calf. Mariners operating along the U.S. East Coast should slow down, stay alert, and report any sightings of right whales or any dead, injured, or entangled whales. Report any sightings of North Atlantic right whales to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (877) WHALE-HELP ((877) 942-5343) or the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (866) 755-6622.
January 26, 2024
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NOAA Fisheries is conducting an ongoing assessment of the injury to the calf of the North Atlantic right whale known as “Juno.” We consulted with experts from the New England Aquarium, Forensic Naval Architect Paul Kamen, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and others. With our partners, we reviewed photographs and aerial videography to determine if any information about the vessel could be gained from measurements of the propeller lacerations on the calf. Based on this assessment, preliminary estimates indicate the vessel involved in the incident was likely between 35–57 feet in length. This estimate is subject to change should additional information become available.
We have not received any recent reports of a vessel involved in a whale strike. We know the strike occurred between December 9, 2023, and January 3, 2024, likely along the southeastern U.S. coast. The mother calf pair were seen off Florida in December and again off South Carolina in January.
NOAA Fisheries and our partners will continue to review and assess the available photographs and video and provide updates as new information becomes available. We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor this calf.
January 12, 2024
Juno (#1612) and her injured calf were seen by researchers on January 11, 2024, near Amelia Island, Florida.
The wounds to the calf are severe. We are heartened that the calf survived the initial injury, and there is some evidence of healing. However, we do not know the full extent of the wounds below the surface. We remain concerned the calf may eventually die from internal injuries, infection, or impaired behavior, particularly nursing, given the damage to the lip. We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor this calf and further document its injuries.
January 10, 2024
On January 6, 2024, the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region was notified of a North Atlantic right whale with an injured calf off Edisto, South Carolina. The calf was seen on January 3, 2024. Videos shared by the public on social media show several propeller wounds on the head, mouth, and left lip of the calf consistent with a vessel strike. These injuries may impact this calf’s ability to nurse successfully.
After reviewing this case, NOAA Fisheries biologists made a preliminary determination that it meets the criteria of a “serious injury.” 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.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and New England Aquarium used the videos collected by the public to identify the whales as Juno (#1612) and her calf. Juno was the first documented right whale mom of the season, and was initially seen with her calf on November 28, 2023, off Georgetown, South Carolina. The mom and calf were last seen prior to the injury on December 9, 2023, off Amelia Island, Florida. It is unknown at this time if Juno is also injured. Mother-calf pairs are at heightened risk for vessel strikes because they spend nearly all their time at or close to the water surface, but are difficult to see.
NOAA is asking anyone with information regarding the calf's injuries and additional sightings to contact (877) WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). The vessel that struck the animal could have damage.
Please report any sighting of right whales or any dead, injured, or entangled whales. If safe, and from the legally required 500-yard distance, please take photos or video and note the GPS coordinates to share with biologists.
Dead Juvenile Female Right Whale Off Savannah, Georgia (Calf of Right Whale 4340)
February 16, 2024
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Experts completed a necropsy of the juvenile female North Atlantic right whale on February 15, 2024. They found evidence of blunt force trauma including fractures of the skull. The injuries are consistent with a vessel strike prior to death. Additional histological and diagnostic testing of samples is pending. We will share more information as it is available. This case is an active NOAA Office of Law Enforcement investigation.
The necropsy examination was conducted by partners including:
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Blue World Research Institute
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- University of Florida
- Savannah State University
- Low Country Marine Mammal Stranding Network
- Tybee Island Public Works, Police Department, and Fire and Rescue
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Sea Tow
- United States Coast Guard
- NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
February 15, 2024
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On February 13, 2024, NOAA Fisheries was notified of a dead whale floating offshore of Savannah, Georgia. The whale is a juvenile female. She is the offspring of Pilgrim (North Atlantic right whale #4340) and was first documented in December 2022.
It was identified after an aerial survey team from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute searched and found the carcass about 20 miles off Tybee Island, Georgia, on February 14. This allowed a team from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to respond, attach a satellite tag, and collect photos and samples to help identify the whale. Sharks have heavily scavenged the whale carcass.
NOAA Fisheries and our partners will review logistical options and determine whether a tow to shore or necropsy is possible given the condition of the whale and weather. This is the 38th mortality in the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event.
Half Note (Right Whale 1301) and her 2024 Calf
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January 23, 2024
On January 14, 2024, aerial and vessel survey teams observed North Atlantic right whale Half Note (#1301) without her calf. This mom and her eighth known calf were seen together only once, on January 11, 2024—the calf looked thin and has not been seen since. Unfortunately, this outcome was not unexpected; Half Note has lost six of her seven previously documented calves, including her 2022 calf. None of the six lost calves have been recovered or observed dead, and we cannot say for certain the cause of their loss.
We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor right whales in the Southeast United States as weather allows.
Every mom and calf is critical to the recovery of this endangered species.
Calf of North Atlantic Right Whale 3780
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January 12, 2024
On January 5, North Atlantic right whale #3780, a first-time mom, was spotted via aerial survey without her calf. Mom and calf were last seen together on December 31, 2023. Since young right whale calves are nutritionally dependent on their mothers, we are concerned about the status of this calf.
We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor right whales in the Southeast United States as weather allows.
Every mom and calf is critical to the recovery of this endangered species.
How Can You Help
Give Right Whales Space—It’s the Law
- Remain 500 yards away—about 1/4 mile (about 1 football field). These regulations apply to vessels and aircrafts (including drones) and to people using other watercrafts, such as surfboards, kayaks, and jet skis.
- Any vessel finding itself within 500 yards of a right whale must depart immediately at a safe, slow speed
- When encountering marine mammals, slow down, operate at no-wake speed. Put your engine in neutral when whales approach to pass.
- Avoid approaching whales, dolphins, and porpoises especially when calves are present. Never put your watercraft between a mother and calf.
Report Stranded or Injured Whales
Do not approach injured or dead marine animals, including whales. The most important step you can take to assist professional responders and scientists is to immediately report any sightings of injured, stranded, or dead whales. In the United States, make a report by calling the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (866) 755-6622 or the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (877) 433-8299. In Canada, call the Marine Animal Response Society at (866) 567-6277 or the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network at (877) 722-5346. You can also contact the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards on VHF Channel 16.
Learn more about how you can help North Atlantic right whales