Right Whale Sightings
The North American Right or Basque Whale is
frequently sighted off the coast
of St. Augustine. The Right Whale has been a
protected species since 1935.
Only 800 to 1000 of these creatures are known to
exist. They grow generally
to 39 to 49 feet long, with the maximum length
ever recorded at 55 feet with
a weight of over 100 tons. These whales can be
spotted when they surface for
air. They are characterized by the double spout or
"V" blowhole, white spots
on the heak and no dorsal fin. They travel in small
groups or pods. Each
individual can be identified by a particular
cluster of small parasitic
crustaceans that form white. grey or yellow
patches on the animal's skin, on
the head and around the eye.
The name Basque Whale comes from the 9th century
onwards when whale hunting was an important part of life for the Basques, who
lived off the Northern Coast of Spain, near the Bay of Biscay where the
Right Whales would flock in order to give birth to their young. Every autumn
the lookouts posted in hilltop towers would signal the approach of a
group of "Sardas" as they called them by beating drums, ringing bells and
lighting fires. The hunters would then put to sea in skiffs and row out toward
the whales guided by those watching from the towers. Whaling became a
thriving industry and
whaling technology progressed. By the 15th Century
however the Sardas or
Right Whale population had been depleted and
whalers had to find new
territories and thus whalers conducted new
explorations.
The Right Whale has a particular connection to the
old and new world and to
St. Augustine. They come to visit and are the last
of a breed that once
ruled the seas. If you see one of these
magnificent creatures please call
1-888-979-4253. Please have the following
information ready:
1. The location of whales, longitude and latitude
if available or a major
landmark.
2. The number of whales and if they have calves.
3. The direction the whales are traveling.
4. Whether dolphins were present.
5. Your name and where you can be reached.