2 more right whale calves spotted off Florida coast

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two new mother-calf pairs were sighted off the coast of Florida last weekend.

This brings the 2023 calving season total to four.

On Sunday a 1-year-old calf and its mother, catalog #3430, were spotted off the coast of Crescent Beach, Florida.

Read: Wildlife officials ramp up efforts to save manatees in Brevard County

A second right whale, catalog #1711, and her calf were sighted near the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia on Dec. 17.

Every year researchers closely monitor the southeastern United States for new offspring during the annual right whale calving season.

The first newborn North Atlantic right whale calves were spotted in early December.

Read: Why do iguanas fall from trees when it’s cold? Here are 9 things to know

NOAA estimates there are fewer than 350 North Atlantic right whales remaining.

Every identified North Atlantic right whale is assigned a four-digit number in the “Right Whale Catalog” and researchers assign names to whales based on unique physical features or stories in connection to a community where they have been spotted.

More information about NOAA Fisheries 2023 calving season and updates can be found here.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 7

North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2023 Porcia (#3293) and her calf were spotted southeast of Ossawbaw Island, Georgia on December 17, 2022. Portia is at least 26 years old and this is her third known calf. (NOAA)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group