FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The Right Whale Festival in Fernandina Beach this weekend drew an impressive crowd of 20,000 people, making it a truly enjoyable and meaningful event. The festival was a delightful blend of fun and purpose, as attendees engaged in various activities, all dedicated to the noble cause of conserving the endangered right whale.
Dr. James Powell, Chief Zoological Officer for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, highlighted the importance of the festival.
“So, a couple of decades ago, people didn’t even know we had these huge whales right off of our coast, coming down to Florida and off the coast of Georgia, to have their babies," Powell said. "It’s the only place in the world where we know this North Atlantic Right Whale has their calves."
The significance of raising awareness about these creatures cannot be overstated, especially given the dark history of relentless whaling that pushed them near the brink of extinction.
“And through conservation efforts that started after they stopped whaling, the population slowly began to increase up to around 500. And then what we have seen in the past decade, it has started to decline again," Powell said.
Elizabeth Williamson from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), sheds light on the current challenges faced by these whales.
"What we're observing is an unusual increase in unnatural deaths," said Williamson. "They are falling victim to tangled ropes and nets, and we don't even know their natural lifespan due to these tragic entanglements."
Powell elaborated on the dire situation, explaining how these whales get caught by vertical lines in the water, which wrap around their bodies, including their flippers. Additionally, ship strikes have claimed the lives of several of these majestic creatures, adding to the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The overarching goal of the Right Whale Festival is to spread the message of conservation, not just to local residents, but also to a wider audience on the First Coast and beyond.
“But really, it is up to the public to be supportive of this and do what they can for example, if they are in areas where there are whales, to report sightings of them and also to make sure to slow down," Powell emphasized. "And surfers or others, to stay away from them so, these individuals are not disturbed.”
Visitors from various locations expressed their appreciation for the festival, as one attendee told First Coast News, "We drove four hours to be here, and it's an amazing event that carries immense significance for the right whales." Another attendee, a local resident, chimed in saying, "Being from our hometown, it's heartwarming to see familiar faces and unite with the community in such a meaningful way."
Cheryl Munday, the coordinator of the Right Whale Festival, outlined the festival's diverse attractions, stating, "We offer an array of experiences, featuring over 100 exhibitors, life-size inflatable whales that allow you to appreciate their incredible size up close, children's activities, and even athletic events like beachfront yoga and a morning bike ride. There's something for everyone."
In the end, the Right Whale Festival is a vibrant celebration with a serious mission. It not only entertains and educates, but also serves as a call to action, reminding everyone that the fate of these extraordinary creatures is in our hands.