General Information
NOAA Fisheries Service (National Marine Fisheries Service- NMFS) is dedicated to the conservation and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale populations. With less than 350 remaining, it’s important that we do what we can to save this species from extinction. North Atlantic right whales are considered one of the most endangered marine mammals in U.S. waters. The right whales population was historically depleted by more than four centuries of whale hunting. Right whales were protected by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling in 1949, and later listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1973. The hunting of right whales has ended, but humans are still responsible for the two known greatest threats to right whales: entanglement in fixed fishing gear and vessel strikes. Every effort must be made to protect this species, with such a small population remaining, even a single death can set back their recovery.
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Links to More Resources
Right Whale South-Calving Area (Southeast U.S.)
Each year, right whales migrate along the coast from the northern feeding and mating areas between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia to the coastal waters coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to give birth to their calves. The Southeast U.S. is the only known calving area for North Atlantic right whales and it is imperative that mariners to take extra precaution during their calving (birthing) season from mid-November through mid-April.
Fisheries Interactions
Right whales can be severely harmed or killed by entanglements with commercial fishing gear, leading serious injury and even death. Learn about NOAA’s measures to prevent entanglements and to disentangle injured whales.
Ship Strike Reductions
The same reasons right whales were easy to hunt, slower movements and a large amount of time spent at the surface, makes them vulnerable to collisions with ships. Many shipping routes also cross over critical right whale habitat. In response, NOAA has developed and implemented a number of programs to track and protect right whales.
Outreach and Education
To ensure the public is aware of the conservation efforts and regulations protecting right whales, NMFS relies on education and outreach materials and programs targeted for the maritime industry, recreational boaters, kayakers, surfers, and the public. Outreach is an important means to promote public involvement and foster stewardship for the marine environment.
Southeast Implementation Team
The Endangered Species Act authorizes NMFS to appoint recovery teams to assist the development and implementation of recovery plans. The Southeast U.S. Right Whale Recovery Plan Implementation Team has been established to assist NMFS in the implementation of the Recovery Plan for the North Atlantic Right Whale recovery plan and to advise NMFS on issues related to their status and conservation in the Southeast U.S. (North Carolina to Florida).
News/Press
NOAA Fisheries Service frequently releases information regarding the conservation and protection of North Atlantic right whales. Follow this link for current press release, photos, and video images.
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