Right Whale and Calf Spotted in Florianópolis: An Early Start to Breeding Season

First Sighting of Right Whales in Florianópolis Marks Early Start to Breeding Season Florianópolis, Brazil - June 8, 2025 - The start of the right whale breeding season in Santa Catarina, Brazil has begun earlier than usual. This was confirmed by the first sighting of a mother right whale and her calf near Praia do Campeche in Florianópolis on Sunday. Photographer Rafael Paz captured stunning footage of the pair. "It's very young," said Karina Groch, director of research for the ProFRANCA project, referring to the calf. The adult whale, identified as B743, has been tracked since 2016. Her earlier appearance in Garopaba on May 27th suggests the calf may be less than 12 days old. The early sighting is noteworthy, as the peak of the right whale breeding season typically occurs between August and September. While the whales' breeding season generally runs from July to November, this year's early sightings suggest a possible shift in their migratory patterns. The event highlights the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.