FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — This weekend, the shores of Fernandina Beach were filled with locals and visitors gathering from around the First Coast for the annual Right Whale Awareness Festival.
Organized by community members and conservation advocates, this event aims to spotlight the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale — a gentle giant whose numbers have dwindled to less than 370.
Cheryl Munday, the event's organizer, shared the festival’s core message: “We're out here to raise awareness for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. There are less than 370 remaining. So the festival is here to raise awareness for those whales.”
The festival offers a variety of educational and engaging activities for all ages. Science exhibits provide in-depth information about right whales, while interactive sessions highlight simple actions beachgoers and boaters can take to protect marine life.
This year's theme, "Go Slow for Those Below," underscores the importance of reducing boat speeds to protect not only right whales but also other marine animals vulnerable to vessel strikes.
Attendees receive helpful guidelines on how they can play a role in preserving these massive creatures and promoting a healthier ocean.
The North Atlantic right whale, known for its distinctive callosities (rough, white patches on its head), primarily inhabits the Atlantic coastal waters, migrating from northern feeding grounds to the southeastern U.S. coast for calving season.
Vessel collisions and entanglement in fishing gear remain the biggest threats to this species, and the festival’s theme serves as a timely reminder to be mindful of these hazards.
Through a range of activities, from science exhibitions to arts and crafts booths featuring ocean-themed goods, the festival educates attendees about the importance of protecting marine habitats.
But it’s not all science! The festival brought a dash of fun with the third annual “Tales for Whales” dog parade, a lively addition featuring 11 shelter dogs decked out in costumes. As part of the festive and heartwarming event, organizers hope to find homes for these dogs.
As the right whales journey south to birth their young in the warm coastal waters of Florida, festivals like these help safeguard their future.