Two endangered whales mysteriously pop up off unexpected US coastline, NOAA says
The pair of North Atlantic right whales are not only 'out-of-habitat,' but they're hanging out in shallow water off the Florida Panhandle, the department said in an April 4 news release.
Multiple 'nearshore' sightings have been reported in the 40 miles between Panama City Beach and Destin, NOAA says. (Right whales reach up to 52 feet and weigh up to 140,000 pounds, making them tough to miss.)
The most recent sighting, on April 5, was off the Okaloosa Island Pier, about seven miles west of Destin, NOAA told McClatchy News in an email.
'While not unheard of, it's rare for North Atlantic right whales to be sighted in (Gulf of Mexico) waters. Since 2000, there have only been four other known instances of this occurring,' NOAA Fisheries says.
'Biologists are working with partners and law enforcement to raise awareness about the animals' presence. The public and mariners are asked to report all sightings immediately to our hotline (877-WHALE-HELP) so we can monitor their movements and body conditions.'
What caused this?
The two whales, known as Koala (age 16) and Curlew (age 14), have never before been seen in Gulf Coast waters, experts say.
'Both (are) adult females who could have been pregnant when they first came to the Southeast U.S. this calving season, although neither has been seen with a calf previously,' NOAA says.
It's unclear why they are continuing to travel west, but some research suggests climate change could be involved.
The traditional home for North Atlantic right whales (all 370 of them) stretches along the East Coast, from New England to the Southeastern U.S., NOAA says.
'North Atlantic right whales face many threats, including ... climate change — which may alter their migratory patterns and feeding areas,' a NOAA species profile reports.
Koala and Curlew 'appear to be in good health,' but their presence off one of Florida's tourism hot spots heightens the chances of a potentially deadly boat strike, experts say.
'Right whales tend to swim just below the surface and rest at the surface, making them difficult to spot,' NOAA says.
By law, people (and boats) must stay at least 500 yards from whales, NOAA says.
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