The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. The latest estimates suggest that there are fewer than 350 surviving, and they are facing extinction. Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes are their primary cause of mortality.

As anglers and boaters, we can do our part to protect the North Atlantic right whales!

👉🏼 Stay 500 yards away reducing potential for vessel interaction and injury.

👉🏼 Use the right gear to reduce entanglements in commercial gillnet and trap/pot fisheries.

👉🏼 Slow down your vessel, Right Whale Slow Zones are established around areas where right whales have been recently seen or heard.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the number of new calves born in recent years has been below average. On January 1st, the Marine Resources Council Right Whale Conservation Program reported that nine calves total have been identified on the U.S. East Coast. The last sighting was reported at Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach, we believe that every new sighting is worthy of a celebration! 🥳

You can help protect the North Atlantic right whale by liking, commenting or sharing this post! Sharing this information is crucial to ensure right whales can enjoy their nursery and calving grounds in the Southeast Management Area until April.

Report whale collisions as well as dead and entangled whales to the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF Ch. 16 or NOAA hotline at 877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).