Right Whale Monitoring Program Update

In 2011, the Zoo awarded $3,000 raised by the Quarters for Conservation program to the Marine Resources Council Northern Right Whale Monitoring Program. The Marine Resources Council (MRC) trains and coordinates with more than 750 local coastal volunteers to report Right whale sightings. The Right whale population is estimated at only 325 individuals, as a result of hunting and collisions with large ships. Sightings are reported to the U.S. Navy, which informs mariners in the area to take action to avoid collisions between ships and the whales.

With the efforts of volunteers to track the whales' movement and behavior patterns along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the MRC helps determine migration characteristics, prevents ship strikes, and saves these highly endangered marine mammals from extinction. The MRC gives presentations, distributes educational materials and promotes awareness of the program at a variety of events around the state. Training classes are offered for volunteers each winter. For more information visit www.mrcirl.org/

Here are a few photos from recent MRC events: