The Right Whale to Save
Once hunted nearly to extinction, North Atlantic right whales were long considered the “right” whale to hunt by whalers, as they are often found in nearshore waters, swim slowly, and tend to float when killed. The population was severely depleted, and nearly became extinct, before whaling was banned in 1935. Today, right whales are once again facing extinction due to human actions—primarily due to commercial ship strikes and entanglements in fishing gear.
Often referred to as the ‘urban whale,’ North Atlantic right whales spend much of their lifetimes feeding in coastal areas across New England and Canada. However, in the winter months, pregnant females migrate more than a thousand miles down the Atlantic coast to the Georgia and North Florida coasts to give birth—their only known calving grounds in the world. Warming seas, lower calving rates, and commercial industries active in their migration and feeding routes all contribute to these gentle giants’ population decline.
Scientists estimate that fewer than 340 North Atlantic right whales—and most critically, only about 100 calving females—exist in the world today.
We can protect this fragile population by preventing entanglements, preventing boat collisions, and reducing underwater noise pollution.
Georgia’s State Marine Mammal
While much of the attention is focused in the northeast, right whales have a special place in Georgians’ hearts. Every winter, we cheer the return of calving females and celebrate the new births that can help to replenish the population.
Local biologists with our state Department of Natural Resources and other agencies devote significant time and resources to monitoring the whales and responding to entanglements—dangerous endeavors that put their lives at risk.
How you can help
Use the tabs below to more about our Eat Local Not Lobster campaign and simple ways you can advocate for Right Whales every day.
Right Whales in the News
The Current | 7/25/23
The Brunswick News | 7/21/23
Post and Courier | 7/10/23
Boston.com | 6/6/23
YELP Action Project | 5/4/23
The Brunswick News | 3/4/23
NOAA Fisheries | 4/24/23
Environment America | 2/16/23
The Virginia-Pilot | 2/15/23
The Current | 2/15/23
Portland Press Herald | 2/14/23
Georgia DNR, WRD | 2/6/23
WBUR | 2/1/23
Florida Politics | 1/23/23
Boston.com | 1/12/23
Florida Politics | 1/10/23
Eat Local, Not Lobster Partners
“Entanglement is the leading cause of death of these whales that travel thousands of miles to our shores to give birth. Until whale-safe fishing practices are implemented throughout the industry, we encourage residents and visitors to Georgia—and all who love our beloved right whales—to Eat Local, Not Lobster.”
Contact Alice for more information about our efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales and the Eat Local, Not Lobster campaign.