During winter, we live in the midst of the right whale birthing habitat. So far this season, four babies have been born. These babies and all the right whale mothers visiting our area need protection.

Of the four babies sighted this birthing season, one is already in grave condition. This is extremely concerning. The calf's mouth is injured which could hamper its ability to nurse and feed. When first spotted the calf was only a few days old but already had injuries that were  consistent with those from a boat propeller.

These gentle giants can be spotted with the naked eye or with a telescope. The sessions at the library will provide training on what to look for and what to do if one suspect’s a right whale sighting. Input from the public is crucial to prevent ship strikes and to help the experts collect data on these endangered animals and their patterns.

Julie Alpert from the Marine Resources Council of Palm Bay will graciously conduct our workshop. It is a two hour training session. Everyone is welcome.

Vessel strikes are one of the greatest human-caused threats to North Atlantic right whales. Whales can be killed if they are cut by propellers or from the force of being hit by any boat or shipping vessel. Your participation in this sighting program could make all the difference! Everyone's help is needed. Attendees will learn the signs to identify right whales and how to report there whereabouts.

Since Amelia Island is in the center of the winter calving grounds for these endangered whales, we need whale spotters which can relay the GPS location to a central phone number so an all points bulletin can be issued to harbor pilots, ship's captains, port authorities, and recreational boaters to avoid the whale's location and to slow down.

The protection of these animals is literally in the hands of us all. Please join us for this important training. In the meantime, we ask anyone with information regarding the calf's injuries and/or additional sightings to contact 1-877-WHALE-HELP (1-877-942-5343).

Help Save North Atlantic Right Whales- WE NEED YOU!

Click here for the Facebook item about the team that is trying to save a new calf struck by a vessal.

Other links to articles about the Right Whale calf spotting:

Third calf
NOAA article about Right Whale strikes