Georgia Conservancy brings North Atlantic right whale advocacy to coastal Georgia boaters
With fewer than 380 individuals left, North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), Georgia’s state marine mammal, is the most endangered large whale species on Earth. Each winter, these whales migrate from the frigid waters of New England and Nova Scotia to the temperate Atlantic coasts of Georgia and Florida to give birth and rear their young. The warm waters off of our coast are the only known right whale calving grounds in the world. This annual journey, beginning in late November, is pivotal for the species’ survival, yet can be dangerous due to human-induced threats such as vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
In response to this urgent conservation need and in a bid to turn the tide, the Georgia Conservancy uses local artwork to raise awareness and educate boaters on the risks to these vulnerable whales.
Marina Signage and Awareness
Using artwork from the Savannah-based artist Alexandra Delestre, our “Go Slow, Whales Below” marina signage is designed to catch boaters’ attention and alert them to reduce vessel speeds during the North Atlantic right whale calving season. Additionally, the signage encourages boaters to post right whale sighting alerts through the Whale Alert app at www.whalealert.org.
The durable, weather-resistant HDPE signs are gifted to marinas known to house large vessels (30+ ft), as these boats are often at greater risk of striking right whales. Currently, Georgia Conservancy’s “Go Slow, Whales Below” signs can be found at 23 marinas across the Georgia coast, including Delegal Creek Marina, Landings Harbor, The Savannah Yacht Club, and the Savannah Boathouse. These locations were deliberately selected for their high concentration of offshore boating activities, aiming to enforce a culture of responsible boating. By complying with NOAA speed regulations, mariners are pivotal in safeguarding the North Atlantic right whale.
“Go Slow, Whales Below” marina signage. Artwork by Alexandra Delestre
This project emerged from a collaboration with the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and was supported by partners including Sustainable Sea Technologies and the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service/Georgia Sea Grant. Additionally, we partnered with the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to host an right whale focused art show: “The Right Whale To Save“. The event embraced artistic and environmental collaboration, displaying North Atlantic right whale-inspired artworks that competed to become the foundation for marina signs. Entries hailed from an array of local institutions, including the Tybee Island Maritime Academy, Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah State University, and the Savannah College of Art and Design. The winning sign, crafted by artist Alexandra Delestre, uses captivating visuals and color interest to compel boaters to reduce their speed and protect our state marine mammal.
Boater Education
Boaters and mariners play a critical role in protecting right whales in Georgia’s waters. At Georgia Conservancy, we are working to directly educate boaters through personalized mailpieces on the ways to boat safely during right whale calving season. These mailers include reminders on safe vessel operation, federal speed regulations in whale habitat, and the federal point-of-contact for reporting a whale sighting or collision.
We also encourage boaters to update their Garmin navigation systems in order to receive Automatic Information System (AIS) navigation and safety alerts. AIS alerts are sent out through beacons along the Georgia coast to vessel operators traveling at high speeds in known right-whale calving areas. These navigation system updates allow recreational vessels to receive safety alerts if a right whale is traveling through the area, giving boaters time to slow down and move cautiously to avoid striking the animal.
“Go Slow, Whales Below” mailers were sent to boat owners of large vessels (30+ ft) in all of Georgia’s coastal counties, reaching over 2,700 people.
The Georgia Conservancy’s work to engage and educate local communities, boaters, marinas, and educational groups focuses on spotlighting the plight of the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Through educational outreach accompanying new signage, boaters now receive crucial insights into the whales’ habitat, behaviors, and the grave threats posed by human activities. Our goal is to foster a more informed and conscientious boating community who play a vital role in whales’ conservation.
As the Conservancy expands its outreach and fortifies relationships with maritime stakeholders, this initiative underscores the indispensable role of local communities in conservation, blending scientific knowledge with communication to forge a long-lasting future for these animals.