Funded by: Georgia Department of Natural Resources; NOAA Fisheries

The North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, is one of the most endangered large whales in the world, and is protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is estimated that there are only 300 remaining in the population, found along the east coast of the U.S. and Canada. The largest threats to the population are human-related, including ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. The only known calving ground of the species is found along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The Florida office of Wildlife Trust conducts aerial surveys in this region to assist in protection of the right whale.

Right whales are slow moving, especially when accompanied by a calf, and because they have a broad, flat back they are often difficult to see when they are at the surface of the water. These factors make them vulnerable to ship strikes, especially in areas of high vessel traffic. The winter calving grounds off the Southeast U.S. include four major shipping ports, resulting in increased potential for ship/whale conflicts. Wildlife Trust is working to minimize the risk to these animals by locating right whales during daily aerial surveys from December through March and alerting military and commercial shipping traffic.

To learn more about our partners please click on the links provided

   Georgia Department of Natural Resources
   NOAA Fisheries
   Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
   New England Aquarium