Right Whale South-Calving Area

In late fall and early winter, pregnant female right whales, females with calves and some male right whales make their annual north-south migration from their feeding grounds off Canada and New England to the warm coastal waters off Southeast U.S. Right whales give birth and nurse their calves in the coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia, and Northeastern Florida from November through April. With less than 350 remaining, it's important that we do what we can to save this species from extinction.

Recent Right Whale Sightings

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Right Whale Seasonal Distribution

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Ship Strike Reduction Strategies

More information on NOAA’s efforts to reduce the number of vessel strikes on right whales, including the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule and Recommended Shipping Lanes.

Speeds of 10 knots or less are required by vessels 65ft or greater in Seasonal Management Areas.

Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule

Required by all vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft (19.8 m) in overall length and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and all vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft in overall length entering or departing a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

Seasonal Management Areas for the Southeast Calving Area

CURRENTLY NO SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS

Recommended Shipping lanes

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For vessels entering ports of Brunswick, Fernandina, or Jacksonville.

Guidelines for Mariners (pdf)

More information or mariners about identifying North Atlantic right whales and precautionary measures to avoid North Atlantic Right Whales

To request copies of the Right Whale Protection Notebook for your vessel, please contact cheryl.bonnes@noaa.gov or visit the Education and Outreach page to download. 

Current Voluntary 10-knot Speed Zones (Dynamic Management Areas)

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Mandatory Ship reporting System (MSR)

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Required by all ships greater than 300 gross tons when entering key right whale habitats.

Take Pleasure in Protecting Our Treasures/ Help Prevent Extinction of the North Atlantic Right Whale

While we are fortunate to have these rare winter visitors in our coastal waters, we bear the responsibility of accounting for their safety.  This includes:

• Don’t approach within 500 yards!  It is against federal law to approach Right Whales within 500 yards, and if your vessel or aircraft is moving toward the whale, you must steer your course away from the whale at a slow, safe speed.  Keep in mind, the rule is the same if the whale is moving towards you.   Remember, right whales need space, don’t chase!
• In the calving area, speeds of 10 knots or less are required.  The law specifically states that vessels over 65 feet must slow in the seasonal calving area, but even small vessels are capable of killing right whales. So remember to be slow, to keep them safe.
• Always keep your eyes open. Keep a lookout while transiting the calving area. Remember that due to the right whale’s naturally dark skin and their tendency to linger just below the surface many people fail to see whales until it’s too late. Don’t be caught unawares; sharpen your vision to avoid a collision
• Report Sightings of Right Whales. Know how to properly identify Right whales and immediately report sightings to the U.S. Coast guard by marine radio VHF Ch 16. You can help the whales, by helping others avoid them.
• Responsibility is Key. Be a prudent Mariner, wear polarized sun glasses and be alert. Avoid boating during times of poor visibility, such as foggy days or dark nights

Right Whale Conservation |Fisheries Interactions |Ship Strike Reductions | Outreach and Education

Southeast Implementation Team | ALWTRP | News and Press