Eubalaence Glacialis



Eubalaence Glacialis

North Atlantic Right Whale

Living in Florida sets up prime real estate for viewing such awesome marine mammals, such as the

Eubalaence Glacialis.  The North Atlantic Right Whale can be seen off the eastern shores of Florida from December to March.  They travel to this area, from the waters off New England and Canada, for calving.  However, the right whale is on it's way to extinction, being a highly endangered speicies today. There is only an estimated 300-400 left.

The right whale is quite easy to spot, giving the whale's massive size.  E. Glacialis can reach up to 55 feet in length and weigh in at a whapping 70 tons!  Right whales tend to swim nearer to shore, and towards the surface of the water.  These characteristics made them an easy target for whalers prior to the ban of commericial whalening, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  E. Glacialis were viewed as the "right whale" to hunt.

Given the knowledge that there are currently so few Right Whales left, conservation and education of these animals is increasingly important.  Even the loss of just one, can send ripples through the communities of marine biologist and conservationalist.  Recently, this was the case in St. Augustine, Florida.  The attempted multiple rescue sessions of a young right whale, ended fatally.  The whale had become entangled in fishing line/gear, and eventually died from what is believed to be a combination of the physical trama and wounds.  The right whale was bought to shore, where a necropsy (autopsy for an animal) was held on the beach.  From the scientific stand point, we can use this to learn more about the right whale.  From a conservation stand point, we can use this incident to further educate the public on how few and precious these particular mammals are, and their importance to the oceans ecosystem and rhythm.