Protected Species Observer Detections of North Atlantic Right Whales

11 October 2023

Right whale #3560 with her calf off Georgia in December 2019. (Image credit of Georgia DNRCMARI Aerial Survey)

Smultea Sciences published a poster earlier this year at the International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum in Boston, MA. This work highlighted the contribution of the offshore wind industry to conservation efforts of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) through their Protected Species Observer programs.

Numerous developers have expanded their PSO programs beyond the regulatory requirement for monitoring and mitigating vessel activity to add considerable value to NARW conservation efforts through widespread data sharing. Detections of NARW are shared immediately with the NOAA Right Whale Sighting Advisory System, which can broadcast real-time locations of right whales across vessels in the region. Photos are shared with NOAA-NMFS and the New England Aquarium. Beyond project compliance, these proactive measures underscore a deeper commitment to advancing NARW conservation, science, and management. 

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