Have you ever heard of Amelia Island?
Northeast Florida's barrier island describes itself as a natural gem, and a great excuse to visit is happening this weekend in the form of the annual Right Whale
Festival.
Held every year since 2009, it celebrates the moment on the calendar when one of the largest whale species migrates back south to its subtropical breeding grounds.
Kicking off Friday morning on Fernandina Beach's Main Beach Park and running through the end of Sunday, the festival combines conservation education with family-friendly activities, live entertainment. It also offers visitors a chance to connect directly with experts working to protect marine wildlife through workshops from the organizers Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"The North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction, and our Southeast coast is their only known calving ground," said Cheryl Munday, Right Whale Festival Coordinator.
"With fewer than 70 reproductive females remaining, we have an incredible responsibility to protect the mothers and calves right here in our backyard."
Munday is right to highlight the whale's precarious existence, but as GNN has reported, the creature has demonstrated slow growth in its population numbers. For example, this year's calving season along the southeast coastline of America has seen the most North Atlantic right whale calves born in a single year since 2009.
The festival will kick off Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. with a lecture on this year's festival theme, entitled "Their Future, Our Fight."
This special lecture/luncheon at the Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture highlights grassroots conservation organizations working to protect North Atlantic right whales throughout their migratory range.
GOOD NEWS ABOUT WHALES:
- Scientists Hail Record Number of Sightings in January as Auspicious for Endangered Right Whales
- Humpback Whale Watching Surges in Brazil Where Population Has Grown 27-fold Since Whaling Ended
- Gray Whale, Extinct for Centuries in Atlantic, Is Spotted in Cape Cod
Attendees will hear from individuals and organizations from the Southeast making a difference through research, education, outreach and community engagement. Tickets are $25 on the website, including lunch.
This year's children's program features a special Right Whale Festival Passport, encouraging young visitors to explore exhibits, interact with conservation organizations, and discover fascinating facts about right whales and their habitat.
Children will learn how they can help protect marine mammals through everyday actions, including reducing marine debris, practicing responsible boating and sharing conservation messages with others.
A detailed event program is available on the festival's website.
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