MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — A pair of fishermen said they spotted two right whales off the coast of Pinellas County Sunday evening.
Derek Gaines was fishing with his father outside John’s pass near Madeira Beach around 5pm.
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“There are two out there,” he said as he documented marine mammals.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee also reports several right whales found off the coast of Florida.
(Credit: Derek Gaines)
(Credit: Derek Gaines)
(Credit: Derek Gaines)
The first calf sightings occurred from Carolina between November 20th and November 25th. An aerial survey found three potential mothers, named Blackheart, Koala and Carl. On November 24th, a mother and a young calf were found off the coast of Kaeloman, South Carolina
Two adult North Atlantic right whales, koala and carl were found on February 2nd from Perdido Pass near the Alabama-Florida border.
The FWC said that right whales are rarely found in the Gulf region. The final sightings in the bay before Koala and Carl returned in 2020.
On February 9th, there were more sightings of right whales in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Biologists are working to monitor their location and to better understand the movement of this habitat.
Two great white sharks hanging off the coast of Sarasota
The FWC said the North Atlantic right whales are extremely at risk and are slowing down, but still maintaining unobtrusiveness.
It is against the law to stay within 500 yards of a right whale, whether included on a vessel, in motion, or an aircraft.
Report future sightings at 877-Whale-Help.
