Right Whale Sightings
In the
Southeast region, from South Carolina to NE Florida, the final number of mother/calf pairs sighted
was 19. About 21 other whales were also identified, bringing the total to about
59 right whales sighted in the Southeast for this season. Including the
mother/calf pair in Cape Cod, having 20 calves
born was a welcome improvement from the seven of last season. Missing from the
Southeast were the large numbers of juvenile whales that had been making the
journey in previous seasons, with the exception of last year. Where they spent
the winter is not fully understood.
The
relationship between sea surface temperatures and right whale movements
continued into the latter half of our season. The area of colder water around
16˚C never developed further south than Jacksonville.
Plotting right whale sightings in the Southeast for the several days around 1
February (generally the coldest days of the season), revealed that most of the
whales were located around the Florida/Georgia border. A similar pattern was
observed in 1999, also a warm winter. It remains to be seen if warmer winters
and alterations in right whale distribution are related to climate change. Our
work is becoming more challenging.
The
Marineland Right Whale Project had ten sightings, a below average number for
us, but far better than the two of last season. Eight were of mother/calf pairs
and included five different females with their calves. Observing 25% of the
total number of mothers and calves in the Project’s study area is about
average, with the exception of last year, when all of the mother/calf pairs
remained well to the north.
The other
two sightings consisted of a pair of juveniles on 23 January and a single right
whale that moved through Daytona Beach
so rapidly on 8 February that we were unable to take photos to identify it. In
addition, there was the 2-year-old entangled male that came ashore on 19
December.
Humpback Whale Sightings
Throughout
the season, we responded to humpback whale reports or spotted them from the Air
Cam. We positively identified six as humpbacks, including three from the Air
Cam. Six more we listed as probable, based on behavior and descriptions from
surveyors and others present. In previous seasons, humpbacks were more likely
to been seen in December/early January and March/April rather than throughout
the season. They appeared to be juveniles. Comparing notes and photos with our
colleagues at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we learned
that some of the humpbacks were seen more than once along the Florida coast. Perhaps, these whales are
remaining in the Southeast US instead of migrating to their wintering habitat
on Silver Bank near the Dominican
Republic? More investigation is warranted.
Shore Surveys
In ten
weeks (and a total of 70 days), the nine teams compiled 1,814 survey hours.
Thanks to all for the diligent recording of environmental conditions during
surveys.
Human Impacts
On 5
February, several people used paddle boards to closely approach Whale #1612 and
her calf, who bore scars from a recent vessel strike. Thankfully, no one was
injured. Concerned about the potential danger to humans and the impact of
harassment to the whales, we met with both Flagler Beach
City and Flagler County
Law Enforcement, reviewing the 500 yard no-approach rule and emphasizing the
human safety issue. We encountered a very positive response. We are now looking
at ways to reach the board sports community.
