Where’s the Whale?

Ever wonder why we emphasize that coastal boaters should go slow and be on the lookout for North Atlantic right whales in winter?

Here’s why. Take a close look at the photo above. See any whales? If so, how many?

A bit of explanation may help. Although they can be as big as a school bus, North Atlantic right whales do not have a dorsal fin and their profile is usually low in the water. In the Southeast, which is where pregnant females migrate to from New England and Canadian waters each winter to give birth, they also spend much of their time at or just below the surface. This is especially true for mothers and calves, because calves are unable to dive for long and their moms keep them close during this vulnerable time for the young.

All of this matters even more because:

• Being hit by vessels is one of the two leading causes for right whale deaths and injuries. (The other is entanglement in commercial fishing gear such as crab pots and ropes off New England and Canada.)
• North Atlantic right whales are one of the most imperiled large whales in the world. There are only about 370 left.
• The waters off the coast of Georgia, north Florida and the Carolinas are this species’ only known calving grounds.

Now about that photograph, if you said one whale, that’s a good start.

There are actually three adult females in the picture. And the person taking the photograph  was within about 100 feet — as part of a DNR crew operating under a federal research permit to be that close.

The three females are not only big, they are critical. Scientists estimate the North Atlantic right whale population includes only about 70 breeding-age females. Each is vital to keeping the species from going extinct.

The photo illustrates what a challenge it can be to spot these whales on the open water. But being vigilant and going slow can provide boaters time to react. Collisions have not only killed and injured right whales, they have caused extreme damage to vessels and put people at risk.

We urge boaters off Georgia’s coast from November to April to follow guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters. Also, here’s a flyer listing recommendations for recreational boaters. Basically:

• Slow down when boating where right whales are present. Use the Whale Alert app to know if whales are possibly in the area.
• Keep watch. Look for dark objects at the surface, large splashes, fluke swirls (slick spots on the surface) and recurring whitewater that could be made by a whale’s tail, and the “V” shaped spout whales create when they breathe.
• Report sightings by calling 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or by hailing the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF channel 16.
• If you spot a whale, slow down further, operate at slow speed or put your engine in neutral. Assess the scene and slowly leave the area while keeping watch—other whales could be nearby. Stay at least 500 yards from any right whale you see (it’s the law) and never pursue or follow one.
• Be wise stewards of Georgia’s natural resources and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Vessels over 65 feet are required to travel at 10 knots or less in designated Seasonal Management Areas when those areas are active (Nov. 1-April 30 north of Georgia’s Sapelo Island, and Nov. 15-April 15 south of Sapelo; maps and more).