The first North Atlantic right whale calf of the season has been spotted off the coast of the Carolinas, raising optimism about the future of this critically endangered species.
Conservationists are hopeful that the sighting signals growth in the population, which has been dwindling due to human-related threats.
While the calf was observed alongside three adult whales, experts have yet to determine which of the three potential mothers it belongs to. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that only about 370 North Atlantic right whales remain.
The species has faced significant challenges, with human interactions such as fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes being major causes of mortality.
Wildlife officials are urging boaters to exercise caution in waters where whales are known to migrate and to report sightings promptly. These measures aim to reduce human impact and ensure the safety of the remaining population.
This discovery is a small but significant step in efforts to protect and rebuild the species. Scientists and conservationists continue their work, hoping for more positive signs in the coming months.