Go Slow, Whales Below!

Georgia Conservancy brings North Atlantic right whale signage to coastal Georgia marinas

By Monét Murphy, Georgia Conservancy Coastal Conservation & Engagement Fellow

The journey to safeguard the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), Georgia's revered state marine mammal, commenced with a profound acknowledgment of the species' precarious existence. With fewer than 350 individuals left, this whale is the most endangered large whale species on Earth. Each winter, these majestic beings migrate from the frigid waters of New England and Nova Scotia to the temperate Atlantic coasts of Georgia and Florida, their sole known calving sanctuary. This annual odyssey, beginning in late November, is pivotal for the species' survival, yet it is fraught with peril 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 launched an innovative initiative to raise awareness and mitigate risks to these vulnerable whales. At the heart of this endeavor was the creation of striking marina signage, specifically designed to catch the attention of boaters and alert them to reduce their 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. This visionary project emerged from a dynamic collaboration with the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and esteemed partners, including Sustainable Sea Technologies and the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service/Sea Grant.

The "Go Slow, Whales Below" signage campaign was masterfully intertwined with an enchanting art show fundraiser, "The Right Whale To Save." On November 14, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center became a beacon of artistic and environmental synergy, displaying North Atlantic right whale-inspired masterpieces. These selected artworks transcended mere aesthetics, becoming the foundation for innovative marina signs. Entries hailed from an array of esteemed 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 the visionary artist Alexandra Delestre, seamlessly melds scientific insight with captivating visuals, compelling boaters to reduce their speed and protect these regal creatures.

The signs have been strategically installed in multiple marinas along the Georgia coast, including Delegal Creek Marina, Landings Harbor, The Savannah Yacht Club, and the Savannah Boathouse. Assistance from community members like Hunter Saussy, a Terracon project manager, and Beth Remmes, the Coastal Outreach and Climate Resiliency Coordinator for Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, was invaluable. Their commitment ensured these signs were positioned on critical, high-traffic docks. 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.

The Georgia Conservancy's project is engaging local communities, marinas, and marine science centers to spotlight the plight of the endangered right whale. Through educational programs accompanying new signage, boaters now receive crucial insights into the whales' habitat, behaviors, and the grave threats posed by human activities. This comprehensive approach has fostered a more informed and conscientious boating community, vital for the whales' conservation. As the Conservancy expands its outreach and fortifies relationships with maritime stakeholders, it enhances environmental advocacy, ensuring a holistic strategy to protect the North Atlantic right whale. This initiative poignantly underscores the indispensable role of local communities in conservation, blending scientific knowledge with innovative communication to forge a brighter future for these resilient creatures.

Click here to learn more about our advocacy effort to protect the North Atlantic right whale

Questions? Please contact Georgia Conservancy Coastal Director Courtney Richt at creich@georgiaconservancy.org