Mariners asked to report whale and calf sightings

The Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a roughly 43-foot Right whale and her roughly 19-foot calf in shallow water — perhaps as shallow as 14 feet — in Florida Bay between Cape Sable and Marathon.

The Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who sees the two whales please call our wildlife partners with the NOAA Fisheries at 877-942-5343. The public can also call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.

Wildlife officials have been notified and have asked the Sheriff’s Office to help spread the message, particularly to the boating public, to be aware of the whales in the area.

The FWC asks that mariners provide their exact coordinates on the water should they see the whales. Do not attempt to approach the whales.

Media Contact: Allison Garrett Communications Specialist NOAA Fisheries/U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 727-551-5750 Mobile: 727-330-0309

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