Event
We held our end-of-season gathering on Saturday, 23 March 2019, at the Whitney Auditorium in Marineland. About 90 attended. The food was good, we sold T-shirts and caps (the new nautical red caps were popular), and held a silent auction. Our partners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Right Whale Aerial Survey Team had a display and gave an informative presentation on their work that included the aims and results of genetic sampling. Next, Jim gave a summary of the season, beginning with a report on our first right whale sighting in 2 ½ years. The new drone program, methods and results, was summarized in a video (more information below). And finally, after the dedicated lookouts had ended, we received a surprise report from the Surf Club―mother #3370 and calf heading south―after we had, erroneously, assumed she had begun the northward migration and departed the area.
Videos
We have updated our YouTube Channel. Go to YouTube, search on Marineland Right Whale Project, click on the Project logo, and you will see four videos. Two videos with snapshots of our volunteers (2016 and 2019) and two drone videos (8 February and 2 March).
The 2020 Season
Our next season, December 2019 through March 2020, will be our 20th. We are hopeful for a continuing rebound for the right whales. But, as Yogi Berra said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” We’ll be here. Join us if you can!
During the season, we will have the 20-year retrospective presentation―not to be missed! Look for our announcements and schedule here in December.
Donations
We are grateful for the donations that help keep the program viable. If you would like to help support this effort, please make out your tax-deductible check to “ASWH” and mail to: Jim Hain, Marineland Right Whale Project, 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080-8618. You will receive a receipt acknowledging your donation in return.
Thank You
To each and every one who helped make this season a success―thank you!
