The annual Right Whale Festival will return to Amelia Island, Florida, and will be bigger than ever with more than 100 exhibitors and many new fun and educational events. The festival will be held Nov 4-5 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach.
This year’s theme will be “Less Rope, More Hope” which calls out one of the main causes of right whale mortality – becoming entangled in fishing gear. This year will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.
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 off North Carolina through northeast Florida.
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. 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 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. For a schedule of activities and detailed information of activities, visit RightWhaleFestival.com.
