A regular but still magical sight was beholden by many in Flagler Beach on Monday: what appeared to be two North Atlantic right whales spent much of the day moving south within sight of the shore. At least one whale was clearly visible, and it appeared that a calf was closely following behind.
The presence of a calf on Monday is supported by a sighting map utilized by the NOAA, which identified two whales including a calf near Jacksonville on January 15th. Due to the slow migratory movement of the North Atlantic right whale, it would stand to reason the ones sighted in Flagler Beach may be the same pair. This is at least the second time in 2025 that right whales have been spotted off Flagler Beach, following the confirmed sighting of ‘Curlew’ and ‘Koala’ in early January.
Right Whales’ Critical Conservation Status
While the sightings of North Atlantic right whales is treasured by those lucky enough to have one, it may be a local tradition on its way out. The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large animals in the world, with only 370 left in existence according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Beachgoers watching right whales from shore may have a limited number of years left to do so. ⓒ Eryn Harris
The whales’ numbers have steadily declined in the first quarter of the 21st century – their numbers have risen from 318 in 2000 but are down from 477 in 2010. Only an estimated 70 of the current population are reproducing females, and the scientists have observed an ongoing ‘unusual mortality event’ that began in 2017. In that span, 80 whales have been killed or seriously injured, in addition to 71 more confirmed instances of injured or sick whales.
Vessel strikes are the leading cause of mortality for the whales, making up 37% of confirmed deaths since 2017. Close behind is entanglements with man-made equipment like fishing nets, which accounts for 24% of fatalities. The NOAA this month withdrew a proposed regulation which would reduce speeds on boats traveling in the North Atlantic right whales’ marine habitat, drawing frustration from conservationists. The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources applauded the withdrawal, however, saying that the proposed right whale protections would damage local economies.
