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Nine right whale calves spotted near Georgia as total reaches 14 this season

14 new North Atlantic right whales have been detected this calving season, with nine of those calves discovered around Georgia in the past two weeks.

The observations come from aerial and shipboard research teams, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This increase in calf sightings is particularly timely as it provides hope for endangered species during the critical calving season.

On December 16, an aerial survey team located right whale 3157, known as “Cascade,” and her calf approximately 21 miles east of Ossabaw Island, GA. The calf was less than four days old when it was spotted, making it an exciting discovery for researchers.

The next day, December 17, right whale No. 3101, named “Harmonia”, was spotted near St. Louis, GA. She was seen with her cub about 17 kilometers east of St. Simons Island. Both whales are 25 years old and this marks their fourth known calf.

In another sighting on December 20, about 38 miles off Ossabaw Island, GA, right whale #2614, nicknamed “Tripelago,” was observed with her sixth known calf. Tripelago is 30 years old.

The next day, December 21, right whale #2642, known as “Echo,” was spotted with her calf approximately 22 miles east of Little Saint Simons Island, GA. Echo is also 30 years old and this is her fourth known offspring.

Researchers hope more sightings will follow as the calving season progresses and additional mothers and calves may be sighted in the coming weeks.