Right whales make early winter appearance off Amelia Island

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – Florida’s coast is welcoming its first right whales of the winter season.

New Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) images confirm sightings near Amelia Island, including a mother whale with her calf and two adult females.

Wildlife officials report additional movement in the area, with four potential mother whales spotted migrating from the southeast. While right whale sightings in Florida have been limited so far, researchers are optimistic that more of these endangered marine mammals will appear as the season progresses.

Related: How one company and News4JAX are helping to save the North Atlantic right whales using a high-tech solution

Here are key safety tips for navigating waters during the season:

• Monitor seasonal activity: Use tools like WhaleMap.org to track the presence of right whales in your area.
• Check local signage: Look for reminders at boat ramps or marinas about how to identify and report sightings.
• Prioritize visibility: Avoid boating in the dark, during rough seas, or when visibility is poor.
• Reduce speed: Operating at a slow speed gives you more time to react if whales are nearby.
• Assign a lookout: Have someone watch for black objects, unusual whitewater, or splashes that may indicate a whale’s presence.
• React appropriately to sightings: If a whale is spotted, slow down or place your engine in neutral. Leave the area cautiously and avoid pursuing or following the animal.

You can report whale sightings and collisions to the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF Ch. 16 or call 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).