NORFLK, Va. (WAVY) — The United States Navy is highlighting how they protect a group of endangered whales during their annual migration.  

North Atlantic right whales are migrating from waters off New England to waters off Georgia and Florida for the annual calving season.   

The Navy hosted an event onboard the USS McFaul Friday to discuss how servicemembers keep this species — along with other types of marine life — safe while they complete operations on the water.  

One of the ways they do this is by keeping a look out for marine animals on the bridge wing of the ship.  

Engineering auxiliaries’ Officer Andrew Movsesian explained what it was like to experience this on their most recent deployment in the Northern Atlantic.  

“We saw a lot of blow holes, water spouts,” Movsesian said. “The lookouts were very proactive, [they] would immediately come to the bridge let us know. We [would] make a speed change if necessary, and alter our course if necessary.”  

Brad Steidle, commanding officer of the USS McFaul, said it’s vital for the Navy to support the protection of marine mammal species, especially the North Atlantic right whales.  

“The northern right whale has about 350 left as an endangered species, and they migrate and share the same water space that we train in,” Steidle said, “and it’s important that we’re good stewards and share that space and actively do our part to ensure their safety and ability to thrive in their environment.”

U.S. Fleet Forces Command’s Christy Cowan does marine mammal protection act compliance and explained that, in the waters off the coast of Hampton Roads, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) puts out slow zones if a right whale is spotted. 

“We at Fleet Forces Command then add the those coordinates that overlay that area to our common operating picture that all of the ships on the East Coast have,” Cowan said, “so they can see the areas where the right whales are known to be during their migration, and they can use extra vigilance in those areas.” 

She said the vigilance for all marine life doesn’t end there.  

“Any activity they’re going to do that involves sonar or dropping something in the water, or explosives, they run this program called PMAP, and that tells them what the requirements are,” Cowan said, “how many lookouts are required if they’re operating in an area where there are additional restrictions or additional requirements. That’s one of the main things.”

You can find more information about the Navy’s efforts to protect right whales here.