Conservation officials are asking mariners to keep a lookout for an injured northern right whale that was spotted Saturday about 7 miles off the coast of Cumberland Island, Ga.

A aerial survey team spotted a young whale, at least one year old, with wounds on its back consistent with propeller marks. Officials believe a ship off the Southeast coast of the United States recently struck the whale.

The survey team last documented this same whale on Feb. 18 with no wounds on its back.

North Atlantic right whales can be found in coastal waters off the coast of Florida and Georgia ever winter, staying in the area through late March or mid-April.

It is estimated that only 300 north Atlantic right whales remain and they are protected under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. It is illegal to approach or remain within 500 yards of the mammals.

NOAA Fisheries Service urges mariners to use extreme caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and take prompt action to avoid colliding or approaching these critically endangered whales.

These whales can be very difficult to spot as they often are just below the surface of the water, so NOAA Fisheries Service recommends that vessels reduce speeds below 12 knots.

Please report all right whale sightings or any information regarding this injured right whale to the United States Coast Guard via VHF channel 16 or call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network hot line at (786) 382-9585.