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Hope for an Endangered Species: First North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Spotted Off South Carolina

12:38 AM, 12/06/2025
Hope for an Endangered Species: First North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Spotted Off South Carolina

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute photographed the season's first North Atlantic right whale calf on Nov. 28, with a 17-year-old mother named Champagne sighted east of Litchfield By The Sea. Experts estimate about 384 right whales remain, with fewer than 70 reproducing females and breeding intervals of three to ten years. Vessel strikes and fishing-gear entanglement are the main threats; boaters are urged to report sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP. Conservation efforts and increased protections offer cautious optimism, but the species remains critically endangered.

First Calf of the Season Spotted Off South Carolina

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute's aerial survey team photographed the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the season on Nov. 28, sighting a 17-year-old female known as Champagne with her newborn east of Litchfield By The Sea. The observation offers a rare note of optimism for this critically endangered species.

Migration and Population Status

Each winter, North Atlantic right whales migrate from feeding grounds off Canada and New England to warmer calving areas along the Carolinas and Florida. Lauren Rust, executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, estimates the total population at roughly 384 whales, with fewer than 70 reproducing females. Because of stress and reduced food availability, breeding intervals for females can range from three to ten years.

Recent Births and Ongoing Risks

Researchers documented 11 calves last year, and some recent years have seen as many as 20 births, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Institute. Despite these occasional increases, the species remains at serious risk. Today the leading causes of right whale mortality are collisions with vessels and entanglement in fishing gear.

"Right whales are precious and critically endangered. They are also essential to the ocean, environment, and ecosystem. It’s our responsibility to keep the last ones safe so they don’t disappear forever,"

— Lauren Rust, Executive Director, Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network

How Boaters and the Public Can Help

Although right whales are usually found offshore, many sightings occur within five miles of shore and are frequently reported by small-boat fishermen. Offshore boaters should watch for whale blows and slow down in areas where whales are reported. Report sightings and entanglements immediately at 1-877-WHALE-HELP.

  • Continue supporting conservation measures and protected areas that reduce collisions and entanglements.
  • Give whales ample space and follow regional speed and routing advisories for vessels.
  • Report any sightings to authorities to help with monitoring and response efforts.

The combined efforts of research groups, conservation organizations, and the public have helped create cautious optimism, but sustained action is necessary to ensure the species recovers.

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