ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, Ga. — A whale and its calf were spotted off of St. Catherine’s Island, Georgia on January 7th, according to video from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Officials say this was the 11th right whale calf spotted this season.
The mother whale “Spindle” is approximately 41 years old and was named for her callosity pattern that resembles the banister on a staircase. The calf she was spotted with is the 10th documented.
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 20 newborns in a calving season would be considered a productive year, but 50 or more calves are needed per year for multiple years to stop the decline and allow for recovery.
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Report whale sightings to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16.
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