Development of a Right Whale Sighting Network in the Southeastern U.S

摘要

A sighting-reporting system was established to obtain sighting information on right whales in coastline areas from Cape Hatteras to Florida. A packet of materials, including a reporting form, and general information on the right whale was distributed to fishermen and others who might have an opportunity to sight right whales. Historical and recent sighting data were obtained and analyzed. The sightings indicate that right whales pass through or inhabit this nearshore area each winter, most often in groups of one to three animals. Several sightings of up to 10 animals in a group were made at Cape Hatteras. A typical pattern of sightings each year involves first seeing one individual nearshore and then a few days later, sighting a cow and calf. This plus the small size of the calf suggests that calving often occurs nearshore. Suggestions are made for improvement of the sighting system and for future research.