BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Biologists are urging boaters to stay away from a right whale and her calf off the coast of Sebastian Inlet in Brevard County.
What You Need To Know
- It is against federal law to be within 500 yards away or above endangered right whales
- There are only 340 of the whales left, with only 70 breeding females
- Learn more about right whales right here
A slow-motion drone video shot by the Marine Resources Council (MRC) in Palm Bay shows the mom and baby swimming alongside dolphins in the ocean on Monday.
LEAVE THEM ALONE: biologists w/ Marine Resources Council urging boaters to stay away from mother right whale and calf off Sebastian Inlet #Brevard #Florida — MRC drone video shows boaters well within the 500 yard permitted zone. @MyNews13 #News13Brevard pic.twitter.com/T06spYN2cN
— Greg Pallone (@gpallone13) January 5, 2023
A sped-up video shows boaters following and circling the whales.
MRC got a permit to shoot the footage.
It is against federal law to be within 500 yards away or above endangered right whales.
"Give them their space, they just need their space," says Julie Albert, Marine Resources Council North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Program coordinator. "This is a calving and nursery area for mothers and calves, and they are critically endangered."
THE RIGHT STUFF: 1/2/23 right whale and calf spotted off southern #BrevardFlorida coast. Dolphins joining in the fun. Pics = Betty Gardner Gonzalez @MyNews13 #News13Brevard pic.twitter.com/PUfLZWY0aX
— Greg Pallone (@gpallone13) January 2, 2023
There are only 340 of the whales left, with only 70 breeding females. And the biggest threats are entanglements and boat strikes.
You can report right whale sightings by calling 888-97-WHALE (94253).