North Atlantic right whale calving season has begun

North Atlantic right whale calving season has begun!
Each year, pregnant females make their way south along the Atlantic coast to Florida-Georgia to give birth and nurse their young during the winter months (Nov 15-Apr 15). Sadly, right whales are at risk.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the number of right whales slowly increased, reaching a high near 500 individuals in 2010 but the population has been in a steep decline in recent years, dropping to less than 350 individuals. These critically endangered whales are a long-lived species and have shown that they can rebound if given the opportunity.
Vessel strikes and entanglement in commercial fishing gear, like lobster and crab pots, are major threats to right whales. Three calves were killed by vessel strike between 2020-2021 and over 85% of the North Atlantic right whale population has been entangled at least once. Calving season is a vulnerable time for right whales. Adult females face extremely high energetic demands associated with pregnancy and nursing and have a lower survival rate than males. Currently, there are about 70 breeding females in the population.
How to help:
• Please report right whale sightings to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16.
• Boaters are urged to post a look-out, slow down, and give whales plenty of space.
Learn more:
10 things you should know about North Atlantic right whales: bit.ly/NARWten
Right whale unusual mortality event: bit.ly/NARWUME