By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
What brings one of the world’s most endangered whales to Fernandina Beach each winter? The answer lies in the warm, shallow waters off Amelia Island — the only known calving grounds where North Atlantic right whales give birth and raise their young.
As these massive marine mammals begin their annual migration, the city is preparing to welcome them with the Right Whale Festival, set for Nov. 1-2 at Main Beach Park.
City of Fernandina Beach Mayor James Antun recently proclaimed November 2025 as “North Atlantic Right Whale Month,” emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting these critically endangered animals. The proclamation, presented at an Oct. 21 city commission meeting and accepted by Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors representatives Candis Whitney, Scott Rowley and Krissi Barr, underscores the urgency of conservation efforts.
“Today, fewer than 400 right whales exist, as such they are a federally protected endangered species under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” the proclamation states, noting that the species “has still not recovered from being hunted to near extinction.”
The statistics are sobering. With fewer than 370 individuals remaining, and fewer than 70 reproductive females remaining, according to a recent press release from event partners, every whale matters. This year’s festival theme, “Untangling the Truth About Right Whales,” addresses misconceptions that could hinder conservation efforts.
“Much like the entanglements these whales face from fishing gear and marine debris, the issues surrounding their survival are layered with knots of science, policy and public perception that must be carefully worked through,” festival materials explain.
Honoring a conservation legacy
The 2025 festival will be dedicated to the late Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, a respected marine conservationist and a founding force behind the event. Dr. Powell, who died in July 2025, served as the Chief Zoological Officer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and founded the Sea2Shore Alliance, leaving behind a legacy of ocean advocacy.
Each fall, right whales travel more than 1,000 miles from feeding grounds off New England and Canada to the warm coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia and northeast Florida. Pregnant females arrive between November and April to give birth and nurse their calves in the shallow, protected waters — making this region critical to the species’ survival.
Festival highlights and activities
The two-day festival, presented by NOAA Fisheries and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, will feature ocean-themed activities, educational exhibits and expert presentations. The event will include over 100 exhibitors and life-sized whale models provided by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
A highlight is Dr. Michael J. Moore, a veterinary scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who has spent more than 30 years studying marine mammal health. Moore is the author of We Are All Whalers, which reveals how daily human activities impact whales and offers practical solutions.
Candis Whitney, representative of the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, calls Moore’s presentation “the most anticipated special event” of the week. The senior right whale scientist “will explore the critical question of who bears responsibility for saving right whales” during his Friday, Oct. 31, lecture luncheon. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and include a bag lunch. Tickets are available on the Right Whale Festival website.
Other whale-themed events hosted throughout the week include an Amelia River Cruise and a skateboard contest. Attendees can also join a beach clean-up organized by Keep Nassau Beautiful on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m. at Main Beach Park.
On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., weather permitting, attendees can enjoy free outdoor movies on the festival grounds. “In the Whale” tells the extraordinary true story of a man who survived being inside a whale’s mouth. “Right to Survive,” created by University of North Florida students and alumni, highlights the urgent fight to protect these endangered animals.
Community and conservation
The city’s partnership with the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and NOAA Fisheries demonstrates a collaborative approach. According to the proclamation, “the City of Fernandina Beach is dedicated to supporting efforts to protect these majestic animals while they are in Florida during their calving season.”
Major financial support for the festival comes from the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
“Saving the North Atlantic right whale takes science, advocacy, and the collective will of people who care,” said Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager at IFAW. “The Right Whale Festival celebrates how communities can come together to protect what matters, and that shared sense of purpose is vital in the race against extinction.”
Whitney emphasizes the grassroots nature of conservation efforts. “We want to thank all the volunteers who have donated their time and energy to the Right Whale Festival and to grassroots organizations like the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors,” she said.
So what can festival-goers do to help? Organizers suggest simple but meaningful actions: spread awareness, refuse single-use plastics, report right whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (1-877-942-5343), support conservation organizations and choose whale-sustainable seafood.
Visitors lucky enough to spot right whales from shore can identify them by their distinctive “V”-shaped blow and absence of a dorsal fin. Federal law requires observers to stay at least 500 yards away.
The Right Whale Festival runs Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Main Beach Park, 32 N. Fletcher Ave. For more information, visit rightwhalefestival.com.
tdishman@nassaunewsline.net
RIGHT WHALE WEEK AND RIGHT WHALE FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
October 25 – November 3, 2025
Amelia Island, FL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
Sip and Shop
J. McLaughlin
4800 First Coast Highway, Ste 420
12:00pm-4:00pm
Shop for fun fall apparel and accessories while supporting the Right Whale Festival.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
Lecture Luncheon
Courtyard Amelia Island
2700-1 Atlantic Ave
11:30am-1:30pm
Guest speaker: Dr. Michael J. Moore from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Tickets: $25 (includes bag lunch)
Register: rightwhalefestival.com/activities-1
River Cruise
Amelia River Cruises
1 North Front Street
4:00pm-6:00pm
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with right whale experts!
Tickets: $75
Purchase: ameliarivercruises.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Beach Clean-up
Main Beach Park
9:00am
Join Keep Nassau Beautiful in cleaning up the beaches in preparation for right whale calving season.
Register: keepnassaubeautiful.org/volunteer-events/
Right Whale Festival – Day 1
Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Ave.
10:00am-6:00pm
Live music, food trucks, art and gifts, interactive exhibits, athletic events, and more!
Music Schedule:
- 10:00am – The Islanders
- 12:00pm – The Honey Badgers
- 3:15pm – Brian Ernst
Skate Contest
Fernandina Beach Skate Park
25 Tarpon Street
1:00pm-6:00pm
Epic skate contest where extreme sports meets ocean conservation.
Register: friendsoffernandinaskatepark.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
Tribute Bike Ride #livelikejessica
Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Ave.
9:00am
3rd annual tribute ride in memory of Jessica Koelsch Bibza. 35-mile ride for experienced cyclists.
Register: rightwhalefestival.com/activities-1
Yoga on the Beach
Main Beach
9:00am-10:00am
Gentle island yoga flow with magnificent ocean views. Bring a large beach towel or mat. All levels welcome.
Dog Parade – Tails for Whales!
Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Ave.
9:45am
Rescue and pet dogs guided around festival grounds in marine themed costumes.
Cost: $15 (includes dog treats and goodies)
Register: Redbones Dog Bakery (809 S 8th St.) or rightwhalefestival.com/activities-1
Right Whale Festival – Day 2
Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Ave.
10:00am-3:00pm
Over 100 exhibits focused on marine conservation & ocean themed gifts!
Music Schedule:
- 10:30am – Chillakaya
- 1:00pm – Str8up
Movie in the Park
Main Beach Park
32 N. Fletcher Ave.
7:00pm-9:00pm
FREE screening of two documentaries: IN THE WHALE and RIGHT TO SURVIVE
Bring your lawn chair! Food and beverages available for purchase.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Right Whale Volunteer Training
Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island
2700-1 Atlantic Avenue
6:00pm-8:00pm
Join Julie Albert with Blue World Research Institute to learn how to spot and report right whales from shore.
For more information: rightwhalefestival.com
Volunteers Needed!
Visit: rightwhalefestival.com/get-involved
The 2025 Right Whale Festival is Dedicated to the Memory of Dr. James “Buddy” Powell
