JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A North Atlantic right whale was spotted just six miles from the Mayport area of Jacksonville Saturday morning.
Elijah Wilson told First Coast News he was out with friends to go spearfishing for lionfish when the whale made a surprise appearance at around 9:35 a.m.
"Oh my God," Wilson could be heard saying in a video of the whale rising from the water. Wilson said the whale was spotted about six miles east of the Mayport inlet.
"It was an awesome surprise," he told First Coast News.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told First Coast News the whale is a 19-year-old potential mother named "Harmonia." The Navy also reported spotting Harmonia Saturday morning, the FWC said.
The FWC said her sightings mark the first sightings of the 2019-2020 calving season, which is from Nov. 15 to April 15.
There are only around 400 North Atlantic right whales left in the world and calving has been low with only 12 births in the last three years, according to an FWC spokesperson.
"Therefore, each birth is immensely important," the spokesperson said. "While we appreciate the public's enthusiasm and interest in right whales, we ask that you give these animals their space. Our potential mothers are fasting while in our waters and need to save as much energy as possible for raising and nursing their calves. The quiet bonding time between mother and calf is important for the newborn whales as well."
The FWC wants to remind the public that is it against the law to be within 500 yards of a right whale. If a person finds themselves within 500 yards of a right whale, the FWC says they must move away from the whale as soon as safely possible.
If you spot a right whale, the FWC says to report the sighting to their hotline at 1-877-942-5343.
