Endangered North Atlantic right whales migrate south, more than 1,000 miles away from their feeding grounds off Canada and New England to the warm coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia and northeast Florida. These southern waters are the only known calving area for the species, an area where they give birth to and nurse their young; calving season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April.
With as few as 450 remaining, this festival aims to raise awareness about the threats facing right whales and the ongoing efforts to protect them. This past year was especially tragic for this right whale population with 20 deaths in 2017-2018 and no calves born last season, it is more important than ever to protect the remaining whales.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a beach clean-up, a beach run/walk at 10 a.m. and the festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with live music featuring Kalani Rose and Kapowski. Meet right whale biologists, visit dozens of educational booths, attend a presentation in the lecture tent, play games, win prizes and enjoy a variety of food. For more information visit the Right Whale Festival website.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.
Media contact: Allison Garrett 727-330-0309 or Allison.Garrett@noaa.gov
