The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) began its North Atlantic right whale research efforts on the unique vessel ‘Song of the Whale,’ to help enhance monitoring and vital research needed for the critically endangered species in North American waters. The vessel is traveling the migratory route of the right whale mother-calf pairs up the eastern coast of the US, from Georgia to Canadian waters in the north, and will gather data on whale presence, call rates, distribution, overall health, habitat use and chronic threats, vessel strike and entanglement risk. IFAW hopes that additional data and information collected by Song of the Whale can contribute significantly to well-targeted risk mitigation measures and help to pull this species back from the brink of extinction once and for all.

This event is the vessel’s primary stop made available to the public, giving attendees the chance to experience boat tours, public education and awareness about the right whale and opportunities to speak with IFAW President & CEO Azzedine Downes, IFAW right whale experts and other individuals leading research efforts on the vessel. With fewer than 350 right whales left – and only a quarter of those being reproductive females – public awareness of this critically endangered species is essential for its survival. Additional information on Song of the Whale can be found here.