Azura Consulting LLC is conducting systematic line-transect aerial surveys to characterize the winter distribution and relative abundance of large whales off the coasts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. The primary target species is the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis, hereafter “right whale”), which remains one of the most endangered large whales globally, with an estimated population size of 384 individuals in 2024. Aerial surveys are a critical tool for evaluating potential impacts of commercial fishing, vessel traffic, and offshore wind energy development on right whales along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region where occurrence data remain limited.

We present preliminary observations of right whales detected in coastal, shelf, and offshore waters between the New York Bight and just south of Virginia Beach, Virginia, during four winter seasons, with surveys conducted from February through early March in 2023, January through early March in 2024, and then extended from December through early April during the next two seasons. Right whale sightings occurred across a range of habitats, and Dynamic Management Areas were initiated in locations where three or more individuals were observed in accordance with current management protocols. Surveys are ongoing, and data collection will continue through the completion of the study period. If funding continues, surveys are expected to extend through the 2028/2029 winter season.

This research is conducted under contract to the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Results from this effort will support ongoing and future management actions aimed at reducing risks from fishing activities, vessel traffic, and offshore wind development for right whales and other large whale species protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Whitt, A.D., L. Blair, and A. Banda. 2026. Winter occurrence of North Atlantic right whales in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic. 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 19-23 October. (Poster presentation).