1Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Beach, CA, USA; 2National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, WoodsHole, MA, USA; 3Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Brunswick, GA, USA; 4Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL, USA; 5International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA, USA; 6Blue World Research Institute, Cocoa, FL, USA; 7Southeast Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, Fernandina Beach, FL, USA; 8Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Abstract
North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) catalog #2360 and a newborn calf were first observed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission aerial survey research team approximately 10 nautical miles northeast of Saint Simons Island, GA on 08 January 2020. Analysis of photo documentation determined that the neonate calf had severe injuries on the rostrum and head, indicative of a vessel propeller collision. Upon this finding, NOAA convened a panel consisting of external subject matter experts in right whale strandings, baleen whale anatomy, large cetacean medicine, and field biology to review the options, usefulness, and considerations for an emergency intervention in the field. Additional photo documentation of the calf was collected by aerial and on-water research teams on 10 January 2020. On 12 January 2020, response team members converged in Fernandina Beach, FL to prepare for an intervention. The animal was located again on 15 January 2020. A visual health assessment was performed before the intervention. A long-acting antibiotic was subsequently remote delivered via dart to aid in managing localized wound infection and to attempt preventing sepsis and death. UAS video was collected during and following the injection. Detailed review of the available documentation across all three sightings later confirmed that the calf’s injury likely interfered with mouth closure. Neither the mother nor the calf has been observed subsequently. In 2019, a similar emergency intervention was authorized for a killer whale.1 While both calves are assumed to be deceased, an important foundation has been laid for future emergency interventions. A cross-regional collaborative project has been initiated to advance the knowledge base and resources for future emergency interventions with large whales.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the contributions and consideration provided by the panel of subject matter experts, which consisted of Alexander Costidis, Deborah Fauquier, William McLellan, Michael Moore, Michael Walsh, and Sarah Wilkin.
*Presenting author
Literature Cited
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