Nassau County's Wild Neighbors: Right whale calving season begins

A North Atlantic right whale named Horton is pictured with her newborn calf. Photo by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #26919

2024 Right Whale Festival during the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3 in Fernandina Beach. Submitted photo

Attendees of the 2024 Right Whale Festival visit booths during the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3. Submitted photo

From left: Cathy Chapman, Fernandina Beach Marina Manager, Debra Strobel and Candis Whitney, directors of Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, pose Nov. 8 at the marina with one of the totes that are being passed out to boaters at the marina as a part of a new inititive. The tote encourages boaters to take precautions, slow down and keep a look out for whales. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Candis Whitney shows off one of the totes that are being passed out to boaters at the marina as a part of a new initiative. The tote encourages boaters to take precautions, slow down and keep a look out for whales. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Another initiative by the Whale Ambassadors is an art initiative started by Deb Strobel, in order to promote awareness of the right whale in a fun way. Submitted photo

A North Atlantic right whale named Braces and her calf are pictured during an aerial survey funded by NOAA Fisheries and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Photo by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #26919

Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission take measurements of a North Atlantic right whale that was struck and killed by a recreational vessel. Vessel strikes are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury to the North Atlantic right whale. Submitted photo