“Thar Be Whales Here” is more than just a movie line made famous by Engineer Montgomery Scott in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – it’s a fact that many Floridians are not aware of. For few months each year, the majestic creatures do indeed swim just off of Florida’s east coast.
Many Florida residents and visitors may be surprised to learn that the state’s Atlantic coastline serves as a seasonal haven for the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. These majestic marine mammals migrate to the warmer waters off Florida and Georgia each winter for calving, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe them from the shore. Typically, the whales can be spotted between November and April.
Why are they called “Right Whales”?
The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) got its name as early as the 1700s, but the origin of “right whale” is layered with history. Initially, the term “right” might have simply meant “typical,” since these whales were once common and familiar to people living along the coasts. Over time, however, the name took on a more sinister connotation: these slow-moving giants became known as the “right whales to hunt.”
Compared to other whale species, right whales were especially vulnerable to hunters. They often swam close to shore and lingered near the surface of the water, making them easier to spot and track. Unlike other whales, right whales didn’t sink after they were killed. Their thick layer of blubber kept their massive bodies buoyant, making them relatively easy to tow back to shore.
Big Whales, Big Profits
A single right whale could yield tremendous amounts of resources. Its thick blubber was especially prized—it could produce over 40 barrels of oil, which colonists used as fuel for lamps and to manufacture soap. The oil was a staple in daily life, especially before the advent of kerosene and electricity.
Additionally, the baleen plates in a right whale’s mouth, used by the animal to filter food, were another lucrative byproduct. These flexible, yet strong, bristles were in high demand for making corsets, hoop skirts, umbrella ribs, and other fashion items. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the whaling industry was integral to fueling economies, and right whales were seen as a “goldmine” of resources.
Identifying the North Atlantic Right Whale
The North Atlantic right whale is distinguished by several unique physical characteristics:
- Size: Adults typically measure between 42 to 52 feet in length and can weigh up to 70 tons.
- Coloration: They possess a predominantly dark gray or black body, often accompanied by white patches on the belly.
- Callosities: One of their most distinctive features is the presence of rough, white patches of skin on their heads, known as callosities. These callosities are unique to each individual, much like a human fingerprint, and are inhabited by small organisms called whale lice, which give them their white appearance.
- Lack of Dorsal Fin: Unlike many other whale species, right whales lack a dorsal fin, contributing to their distinctive, broad-backed appearance.
- Blow: When they surface to breathe, right whales produce a characteristic V-shaped spout, caused by their widely spaced blowholes.
How Can I Spot a Right Whale?
The calving season for North Atlantic right whales typically spans from November through April, with peak sightings often occurring between December and March. During this period, pregnant females migrate southward from feeding grounds in the North Atlantic to the coastal waters off Florida and Georgia to give birth and nurse their calves.
Prime locations for potential sightings include:
- Northeastern Florida Shoreline: The stretch between Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral is renowned for whale sightings. Enthusiasts often gather along the A1A highway and at various beach access points to observe these gentle giants.
- Flagler Beach Pier: This 800-foot pier offers an elevated vantage point, enhancing the chances of spotting whales near the shore.
- St. Augustine Beach Pier: Another popular spot where observers have reported whale sightings during the calving season.
- Daytona Beach Area: Piers such as the Daytona Beach Main Street Pier and the Sunglow Fishing Pier in Daytona Beach Shores are frequented by whale watchers during the winter months.
The pair were sighted approximately 5 nautical miles off Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Image credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken under NOAA research permit 15488.
Tips for Whale Watching in Florida: How to Spot These Majestic Marine Mammals
Florida’s Atlantic coastline offers a unique opportunity to observe marine mammals, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Sunshine State, here are some expert tips for spotting whales and making the most of your whale-watching experience:
1. Bring Binoculars—But Don’t Rely on Them Exclusively
Keep a pair of binoculars handy to zoom in on distant activity in the water. However, you can often spot whales without them, especially if you’re at a high vantage point, such as a pier or elevated dune.
2. Look for Clues in the Water
Whales are frequently accompanied by other marine animals, such as dolphins, and often have seabirds circling overhead. If you spot a group of dolphins or a cluster of birds diving into the water, it’s worth taking a closer look—they might be near a whale.
3. Watch the Crowd
One of the easiest ways to locate whales is to follow the crowd. If you see a group of cars parked near a beach access point or a cluster of people with binoculars pointed toward the ocean, there’s a good chance whales are nearby.
4. Learn to Identify North Atlantic Right Whales
Right whales have unique features that set them apart from other marine mammals:
- Blow Shape: Their spouts create a distinctive V-shaped spray of water.
- No Dorsal Fin: Unlike many other whale species, right whales lack a dorsal fin, giving them a broad-backed appearance.
- Callosities: These rough, whitish patches of skin on their heads are unique to each whale, much like a fingerprint.
- Tail Color: Their tails are solid black on both sides, a helpful identifier when they dive.
5. Be Aware of Other Whale Species
While right whales are the primary attraction in Florida waters during the winter, they aren’t the only whales that pass through. Humpback whales also migrate along the eastern seaboard, although they tend to move through earlier and later than right whales. If you’re watching during those shoulder seasons, you might catch a glimpse of a humpback instead.
Bonus Tip: Be Patient and Respectful
Whale watching is a rewarding experience, but it requires patience. Always follow local guidelines, such as maintaining a safe distance (at least 500 yards) from any whales you spot. Not only is this for the whales’ safety, but it also ensures their behaviors remain undisturbed.
By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat while playing a role in their protection and conservation.
Guidelines for Whale Watching
While the opportunity to observe North Atlantic right whales is thrilling, it’s imperative to prioritize their safety and well-being:
- Maintain Distance: NOAA Fisheries mandates a minimum distance of 500 yards (1,500 feet) from right whales. This regulation applies to all watercraft, including boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as aerial devices like drones. Maintaining this distance helps prevent disturbances to the whales’ natural behaviors and reduces the risk of injury.
- Report Sightings: If you spot a right whale, promptly report the sighting to local marine authorities or organizations such as the Marine Resources Council. Accurate and timely reports assist researchers in monitoring whale populations and health.
- Boater Awareness: Boaters should exercise heightened caution during calving season, reducing speeds and maintaining vigilance to avoid accidental collisions with whales, which often swim just below the surface.
Conservation Challenges Facing Right Whales
Despite legal protections, North Atlantic right whales face significant threats that have impeded their population recovery:
- Vessel Strikes: Collisions with ships are a leading cause of injury and mortality among right whales. Their tendency to swim near the surface, combined with busy shipping lanes along the East Coast, increases the risk of such incidents.
- Fishing Gear Entanglement: Right whales can become entangled in fishing gear, leading to severe injuries, impaired movement, and often death. The stress and physical trauma from entanglements can also reduce reproductive success.
- Population Status: Current estimates suggest that there are fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales remaining, with less than 100 breeding females. This precarious population size underscores the urgency of conservation efforts.
Public awareness and involvement are crucial to the survival of the North Atlantic right whale. Educate yourself and others about the plight of right whales and the importance of conservation measures so that we can preserve them for generations to come!
For more information, be sure to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.
