News & Updates

Rare Right Whale Sighting off Hutchinson Island

Residents and visitors to the Treasure Coast were in luck as they spotted one of the rarest whales in the world.

A female right whale and her calf were spotted last Friday just south of Hutchinson Island. With fewer than an estimated 350 right whales and fewer than 100 breeding females in existence, spectators were urged by federal officials to give these animals space.

These majestic animals are on the move, heading south along the east coast for the winter where they give birth.

On Twitter the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries Southeast division asked for help tweeting, “Give moving right whales space!”

Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1970, right whales are considered an endangered species. Anyone who sees a right whale is required to stay at minimum 500 yards away by federal law. Fishing gear and ship collisions are considered some of the major threats to the right whale.

NOAA asks anyone who sees a right whale or needs to report an injured marine mammal to trained responders at 877-WHALE-HELP. If possible and/or safe, take photos and videos to share with responders while maintaining the proper 500 yards of space.