Endangered whale calf 'likely to die' after suspected vessel strike

Injured North Atlantic right whale 2024 calf of Juno (#1612) seen with injuries on the head, mouth, and left lip consistent with vessel strike. Credit: Forever Hooked Charters of South Carolina

​A right whale calf recently spotted off the coast of Florida is likely to die after what looks like a vessel strike, a press release shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on January 10 states.

The full release is below:

On January 6, 2024, the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region was notified of a North Atlantic right whale with an injured calf off Edisto, South Carolina. The calf was seen on January 3, 2024. Videos shared by the public on social media show several propeller wounds on the head, mouth, and left lip of the calf consistent with a vessel strike. These injuries may impact this calf’s ability to nurse successfully.

After reviewing this case, NOAA Fisheries biologists made a preliminary determination that it meets the criteria of a “serious injury.” This means the whale is likely to die as a result. We will continue to work with authorized responders to monitor this calf and further document its injuries. This is the 35th “serious injury” case in the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event impacting North Atlantic right whales. The UME began in 2017 and has documented 122 individuals so far, including this calf: 36 dead, 35 seriously injured, and 51 otherwise sick or injured whales.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and New England Aquarium used the videos collected by the public to identify the whales as Juno (#1612) and her calf. Juno was the first documented right whale mom of the season, and was initially seen with her calf on November 28, 2023, off Georgetown, South Carolina. The mom and calf were last seen prior to the injury on December 9, 2023, off Amelia Island, Florida. It is unknown at this time if Juno is also injured. Mother-calf pairs are at heightened risk for vessel strikes because they spend nearly all their time at or close to the water surface, but are difficult to see.
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NOAA is asking anyone with information regarding the calf's injuries and additional sightings to contact (877) WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). The vessel that struck the animal could have damage.

Please report any sighting of right whales or any dead, injured, or entangled whales. If safe, and from the legally required 500-yard distance, please take photos or video and note the GPS coordinates to share with biologists.