The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is warning mariners of the presence of North Atlantic right whales in Conception Bay.

The endangered creatures feed at the surface and are prone to ship-strikes.

While native to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, right whale sightings have become more common in Newfoundland waters in recent years.

DFO is asking harvesters fishing in the area to operate with increased caution and to keep an eye out for the whales.

The department is asking the public to report North Atlantic right whale sightings to the department as soon as possible and take note of the location, date and time as well as the number of animals seen to DFO.GLFWhales-BalienesGLF.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Photos or video of the animal, especially its tail, flukes and flippers, are also welcome.