Research: Northern Atlantic Right Whale Surveys

Each year, a team of volunteers led by experienced researchers station themselves along the Atlantic coastline of Florida to count and observe right whale population numbers as well as their corresponding behavior. The coastlines of Georgia and Northeast Florida are the only known calving grounds for this highly endangered species. Currently, the Northern Atlantic right whale population totals around 400 whales, with an average of 12 calves born each year. This type of volunteer whale monitoring program is based on work that began in the late 1960s by a team of researchers employed here at Marineland, David and Melba Caldwell. Marineland Dolphin Adventure is proud to be a partner in the annual right whale surveys conducted by several institutions, including Associated Scientists at Wood's Hole, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Marine Resources Council, among others. 

Monitoring of the population in these waters has two principal goals: 1) Decrease boat strikes, as well as fishing gear entanglement, and 2) Study the distribution, population, reproduction, behavior and habitat usage, so as to enhance the conservation and recovery of this species.

Every winter, dedicated volunteers use cameras, video equipment, aircraft, water craft and even satellites to monitor animal movements. Using designated coastal points, verified sightings are recorded, and the majority of those are suitable for individual photo-identification. Right whale markings, particularly on the top of the head, are unique to each whale, and therefore can be used as a "finger print" to identify each animal that is present.

The Northern Atlantic Right Whale Survey is an ongoing project. Currently, the animal sightings are entered into a database utilized by scientists as a way of measuring the recovery rate and other essential population characteristics of this endangered group of cetaceans.

Links:

www.marinelandrightwhale.blogspot.com                                                                                                            www.aswh.org
www.mrcirl.org
www.rightwhale.org

 

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