“Go Slow for Those Below” encourages vessels to slow down to prevent boat strikes
The annual Right Whale Festival will return to Amelia Island, Florida, with more than 100 exhibitors and many new fun and educational events. The festival will be held Nov 2-3 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach beginning at 10 a.m.
This year’s theme will be “Go Slow for Those Below,” which calls out one of the main causes of right whale mortality – boat strikes. The festival will provide education, as well as fun for the whole family, with ocean-themed activities and educational exhibits, live music, food trucks, art and crafts, and more. In addition, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will have life-sized whale models on display.
North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with fewer than 350 individuals remaining in the population. Because of that low number, protecting every whale is a priority to avoid extinction.
The event kicks off the beginning of calving season, which starts mid-November, and will highlight critical local efforts to protect the species from extinction. Each year, North Atlantic right whales return to their only known calving grounds along the warm coastal waters off North Carolina through northeast Florida, giving Amelia Island locals and visitors a chance to catch sight of mothers and calves offshore.
According to NOAA, the whales are dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes. Every single female North Atlantic right whale and calf are vital to this species’ recovery.
“The coasts of North Carolina through Northeast Florida are the only place in the world where this critically endangered whale comes to give birth,” said Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Executive Director for Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI). “Awareness and education are key in protecting this species from becoming extinct.” Powell and his team have been collecting research on right whales for more than 20 years. “By celebrating the return of right whales to the area, we hope locals and as many visitors as possible realize the precious resource right here, and do everything they can to protect it,” said Powell.
“NOAA Fisheries and our partners – like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium – are dedicated to conserving and rebuilding the endangered North Atlantic right whale population,” said Kara Shevanick, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Right Whale Coordinator.
As the event grows every year, local businesses and organizations host whale related events including a river cruise, lecture luncheon, skateboard competition, and more. Local shops carry whale-related items during November to show their support for right whale conservation.
For a schedule of activities and detailed information of activities, visit RightWhaleFestival.com.
The event is hosted by NOAA Fisheries – part of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration – and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Sponsors include the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). A complete list of sponsors is available on the website: https://rightwhalefestival.com/sponsors.