North Atlantic right whale calving season is upon us and Whale Week is back for another jam-packed schedule of events on November 15-21, 2021!
Every year, North Atlantic Right Whales come home to Georgia’s waters to calve their newborns from November to April. A recent report shows that their population has dropped to 336 in 2020, an 8% decrease from their 2019 numbers.
As these migratory whales travel nearly 1,000 miles to give birth, they face an amplified struggle for survival. From ship strikes to fishing lines or seismic blasting off our coasts, their journey is perilous.
Since 2018 local and international nonprofits, artists, scientists, and advocates together to welcome the whales’ home to warmer waters by exploring the history, present issues, and future of this gentle giant. Whale Week brings scientific, cultural, artistic and historical education events to the Georgia area connecting locals with their inner ocean steward.
November 15, 2021 7:00pm-8:00pm, Zoom- Speeding Toward Extinction, Oceana will present their latest “Ship Speed” report findings and provide recommendations for how we can protect North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes! Hear about the perilous migration of the NARW and why we must all work together to protect them. This event will finish with a call to action from youth voices! Zoom Registration Link: https://bit.ly/SpeedingTowardExtinction2021
November 16, 2021 10:00am-1:00pm, Savannah (Convention Center 1 International Drive Savannah, GA 31421)- The Big Tide Environmental Career Expo
AECOM Engineers and RG Media Affiliates LLC are hosting a Chatham County career job fair focusing on environmental jobs/ocean jobs. Check out environmental career employers & organizations, FAFSA application assistance, interactive exhibits, entertainment, and a live ocean side leadership chat! And more!
November 17, 2021 12:00pm, FB Live at www.facebook.com/georgiaconservancy- Lunchtime Talk: Right Whale Conservation In Georgia
Georgia Conservancy will lead a discussion with two of our most dynamic figures working on right whale Conservation. Joining Charles McMillan, Coastal Director, will be Clay George, from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Kim Sawicki, an innovative researcher in using “ropeless” fishing gear, which holds promise to transform entanglement threats in Georgia.
November 17, 2021 4:00pm, Zoom- Whales and Women
Tybee Island Marine Science Center will host a panel discussion with women working in North Atlantic right whale conservation From science to policy and organizing, hear about how women are leading the charge to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-qvrDItG9e8RR3l8Z5D2ow6qLzhV3E0
**November 18, 2021 1:00pm, Tybee Island Maritime Academy- Journey to the Home of the Right Whale
Sixth grade TIMA students are creating an event with station activities for our first-grade students to encourage and empower them to participate in Right Whale conservation.
November 18, 2021 6:00pm-9:00pm, Starland Yard (2411 De Soto Ave, Savannah, GA 31401)- Pop-Up for a Purpose
Description: Learn about North Atlantic right whales and sign a petition to increase their protections while you shop for sustainable home goods in Savannah’s original mobile refillery, “Hilary the Refillery” with Lite Foot Company.
November 18, 2021, 6:30pm, Zoom-Manifesting Action for North Atlantic Right Whales
Savannah Chatham Sustainability Coalition Ltd will host a virtual call to have a creative experience to visualize a healthy future for the North Atlantic right whales. Participants will learn how to create a hanging mobile (Manifesting Mobile). Conversation will be guided towards action steps we can take to protect the whales as well as gratitude we have for all creatures in the oceans. This event provides information to educate and empower the participants to be a part of Making Earth Day Every Day. Zoom Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvce2orDksGNMWv24trGd4I7vuE-LLLFiK
November 19, 2021, 12:00pm, YouTube Live- Music for Whale Rights
Environmental activism through musical performance with commentary in between original songs written by Emory University student, Dana Kahn.
EventBrite Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/music-for-whale-rights-virtual-concert-tickets-195304118877, Youtube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRpigN-UWGo&feature=youtu.be
November 19, 2021, 7:00pm, Zoom- November 19, 2021- Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, an evening with Alexis Pauline Gumbs
Susie King Taylor Institute will host a book reading and conversation with American poet, scholar, activist, and author of "UNDROWNED Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals," Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Zoom registration: https://susiekingtaylorinstitute-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrd-2qpzgqEtZbcL2GBVnbnrbk5AXsdxEl
https://susiekingtaylorinstitute-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrd-2qpzgqEtZbcL2GBVnbnrbk5AXsdxEl
**November 20, 2021, 10:30am, Tybee Island Marine Science Center- Whale Wishes: Intraspecies Affirmations
Susie King Taylor & Coastal Black Women's Ocean Memory and Conservation Collective will tour TIMSC and host a gathering of about 30-40 people to read affirmations for protection of NARW and healing between humans and whales, includes whale song/music, food, face painting.
All events are free and open to the public, unless noted**. Due to COVID-19, most events are virtual and those in person will be hosted outdoors or with COVID-19 precautions. Check with the event host for more information. Press is encouraged to join us at any events and Whale Week representatives will be available to point you the contact information of event hosts for interviews. Please join us in making Georgia a national leader in North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation, and welcoming experts from across the Atlantic, it is part of our Georgia history and culture.