Sold-out Amelia Island premiere highlights right whales’ fight for survival

A new documentary on right whales premiered to a sold-out audience at Tigre Island on August 24. "The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope" is the newest movie by California filmmakers Cheryl and Nick Dean.

Judging from the enthusiastic response from the standing-room-only crowd, the film was a hit. “We take viewers on a magical ride through the waters off Argentina and Australia,” said Nick Dean, “before winding up here near Amelia Island.”

As many residents know, the waters off Fernandina Beach are where North Atlantic right whales give birth. Hence, our area’s special connection to these beautiful bus-sized mammals … and the nearly 200 people who packed Tigre Island to view the movie.

This powerful new documentary takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster… like never-seen-before whale behavior, intimate glimpses into their social lives, and a heart-stopping rescue. "The Right Whale" sees our world through their eyes … and helps viewers realize that more needs to be done now to save them from extinction.

Sponsored by the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors and the Defenders of Wildlife, the showing was another success for supporters of these endangered sea mammals. “With less than 400 North Atlantic right whales in existence,” said Candis Whitney, founder of the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, “it has never been more important to do what we can to help keep them alive.”

Today, new changes in legislation are a major threat. “The weakening of the Endangered Species Act, combined with diminishing the Marine Mammal Protection Act, will hasten their demise,” said filmmaker Cheryl Dean. “But there is hope.”

The Deans urged those in attendance to contact their U.S. Senators (Scott and Moody) and House of Representatives member (Bean) and express their support for protections of right whales. “H.R. 9436 is a bill that would weaken the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” said Nick, “and it would prevent any new regulations to protect right whales until at least 2035 … and they may be extinct by then.”

For more information on right whales, please visit Amelia Whale Ambassadors, or for more information on the documentary, please visit Spindrift Images.