Environmental engineer speaks about Right Whale safety after two spotted off Cape Fear

(WWAY) — Two different endangered North Atlantic Right Whales have been spotted off the Cape Fear coast so far this year.

A whale named ‘Skittle’ and her calf were seen off Kure Beach last week, with ‘Palmetto’ and her baby being spotted near Surf City in January.

Less than 360 Right Whales remain in the world, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

To track the population, the group flied each day from November through April along the southeast coast document each Right Whale they see.

Environmental engineer Alan Shirey says it’s very important work.

“Anywhere from 50 to 70 whales come south every year,” Shirey said. “Only 15 to 20 of them are actual mothers who give birth. It’s an effort to find the calves, identify them and also check on the condition of the whales that come down here.”

Shirey says the biggest threat to the Right Whale population is boaters and fishing gear entanglement.

Their goal is to raise awareness for mariners to use extra caution.