Ways to Help Right Whales

Vote for politicians that are in support of protecting whales and the environment. Contact your local representatives asking them to support legislation that protects whales, such as the Save Right Whales Act. Advocate for modified fishing gear, such as those that use 1700-pound or weaker breaking strength rope or ropeless fishing techniques. To show your support for policy developed to protect whales and other marine life, be sure to comment on rules published in the Federal Register.

Plastic exists all throughout the ocean both in large aggregations such as the Great Pacific Garbage patch, and as small microplastics floating all throughout the waters. Both forms of plastic pose a significant threat to marine life, such as whales, when they are accidentally consumed. To help in this issue, limit your use of plastic, especially single-use plastic such as straws and plastic bags. Alternatively, buy reusable or compostable products such as metal straws and reusable grocery bags.

View right whales respectfully at the required distance (500 yards) or from shore. Use binoculars or powerful zoom lenses to get a better look. Don't forget to report right whale sightings in the Southeast U.S. to 1-877-WHALE HELP (1-877-942-5343). In the Northeast U.S.,= choose whale watch tour companies that view whales responsibly, such as Whale SENSE operators.

Learn about what kinds of fisheries threaten whales and choose responsibly. Sustainable seafood is from stocks with healthy populations; caught using practices that have minimal impact on the marine environment & species; and caught in areas where fisheries are well managed. Buy local sustainable seafood since it will also decrease the number of vessels sharing the waters with the whales.

Do your part in keeping the ocean clean by properly disposing of trash. When at the beach, keep food packaging and other debris from blowing in the ocean; be sure to keep an eye on your toys and belongings, like balls, sand shovels, and flip flops, to ensure they do not get swept into the water. Participate in beach clean-ups. When fishing, recycle monofilament lines and retrieve all gear from the water afterwards.

Reducing carbon emissions helps to reverse global warming. Simple ways you can decrease your carbon footprint include reducing your travel by car, bus, train, or plane; reducing the energy usage in your home; and changing the composition of your diet. Be aware of where your products come from and be knowledgeable about the carbon footprint of the companies you buy from.

Volunteer or donate to organizations that work to protect right whales; see our sponsor list for such organizations. Join a local group, such as the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, to educate your community. There is much more that can be done to help, so the more people involved in this cause, the more we can make a difference.

Let everyone know why we need to save whales. Tell your friends and family about how important whales are and urge them to help protect them. Follow Right Whale Festival, or our partners, such as Clearwater Marine Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries, on social media and share their posts!

Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for many large whale species. Buying products made in the United States of America helps reduce the number of ships transporting goods from other countries, thus reducing the number of ships sharing the waterways with whales.