named Snow Cone, not only managed to migrate 1,300 miles from summer feeding grounds off Canada, but also gave birth while hampered by the ropes.
However, experts are now voicing their concerns regarding the conditions of the whale and its calf, noting that there is little chance of removing the fishing gear attached to her while her calf is young. A recent video filmed by the Florida fish and wildlife commission shows the new-born calf at her side and the two 16ft lengths attached to her mouth. With her baby constantly by her side, experts are of the view that it would be impossible to make another attempt to free her for the foreseeable future.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), although a team of responders from the Georgia department of natural resources travelled to where the whale was photographed, it was determined that trying to “remove or further shorten the rope would be too dangerous” with the new-born calf present. “Right whale calves swim very close to their moms, making a safe approach by responders highly problematic if not impossible. Noaa Fisheries and partners are continuing to monitor Snow Cone and her new-born,” Noaa said.
The large whale recovery coordinator for the agency’s southeast regional office, Barb Zoodsma, revealed that prior to her migration, Snow Cone lost a male calf off the coast of New Jersey in a collision with a vessel last summer. “Clearly, Snow Cone has game. Still, her and her calf’s current situation is very concerning,” she said.
