Updated 2011 Whale Names

Every year the New England Aquarium selects names for about 15 right whales. The selected names are supposed to be representative of identifying traits of the whale. The 2011 whales have been named and are listed below, along with an explanation of why the name was selected for that particular whale.

Snoopy (#1056): Named for a distinctive scar on the right side of the head that looks like Snoopy-especially from the air.

Argo (#1218): There is a small scar on the head between the bonnet and the coaming. The scar resembles Jason’s ship "Argo" as it sailed between the Clashing Rocks.

Glacier (#1402): The scar on the back of this whale looks like a melting Glacier.

Crest (#1513): The thick white scar on the dorsal peduncle looks like a strip of toothpaste. This scar could also represent the crest of a wave.

Crater (#1609): There is a divot scar on the right shoulder.

Bowtie (#2410): The scar on the back of this animal represents a bowtie.

Harmonia (#3101): This whale is the daughter of the whale named Aphrodite. In Greek mythology Harmonia was the daughter of Aphrodite. Additionally, Harmonia is renowned in the ancient story for the necklace that she received on her wedding day. The scar in front of this whale’s bonnet resembles a draped necklace.

Cypress (#3440): Her callosity resembles a cypress tree because it is straight, but also twisty and knobby.

Dog-Ear (#3590): This whale is named for the bent left fluke. The bent corner of a book’s page is called a dog-ear.

Bongo (#3623): The 2 sets of peninsulas look like a collection of bongo drums.

Phantom (#3802): Named for the prop scar that goes over the right head and into the left blowhole-reminiscent of the mask the phantom of the opera wears to cover the right side of his face.

Marlin (#3805): The line scar exiting the right mouth of the whale resembles the common visual of a jumping marlin caught on a line. Additionally, from a distance the scar itself looks like the long pointy bill of the marlin.

Sharkbait (#3945): In Finding Nemo, Nemo finds himself abducted from the ocean and placed into a fish tank with an assortment of fish and invertebrates also stolen from the sea. The "tank gang" initiate Nemo into their group via an initiation ceremony. Despite having a disfigured fin Nemo swims through the bubbling Mount Wannahawkaloogee and receives the name "Sharkbait." Despite being attacked by a shark as a young whale, this whale managed to survive and is named in honor of his strength and the scar he carries as a reminder of his early life and struggles.

Photos: North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium
Top Left: Crest

Bottom Right:Sharkbait

Door Mats Are In!

Yesterday we received our shipment of door mats, a.k.a. the "Right Mats." These mats are made out of floating fishing rope that is outdated and harmful to whales that become entangled in it. The shipment that we received has a great variety of different colored mats and different sizes. Feel free to stop by the Lagoon House, and pick one up. The sooner the better, in order to get your first choice of colors. We are open from 9-5 Monday through Thursday and 9-2 on Saturday. We also plan to sell these mats this coming Saturday at the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville. If you will be in the area stop by and say hello, it's sure to be a great time!

Hey Everyone!

It's almost November, which means that right whale calving season is just around the corner! Here at the MRC we are gearing up for an exciting winter. We are hitting the ground running in November with our "Right Mat" fundraiser and by attending the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville on November 19th.

The "Right Mat" door mats and dog leashes are made out of reclaimed fishing rope, the same fishing rope that right whales often become entangled in. Whales find themselves entangled in this rope because it floats. Recently, Maine lobstermen have converted from using floating rope to using more whale-friendly sinking rope. However, this change comes at a high cost to lobstermen in time, effort, and money to buy new rope. The "Right Mats" and dog leashes are made with the discarded fishing rope to keep it out of landfills. In return, for every mat sold, a portion of the profits are returned to the lobstering community to help with the cost of purchasing whale friendly fishing line. What a great idea!!

Please help support the cause and MRC's Right Whale Volunteer Sighting Network by purchasing a door mat or dog leash. We will be placing a large order during the month of November and if you would like to pre-order one, feel free to call us at 321-725-7775, on the whale hotline at 1-888-979-4253, or via email at council@mrcirl.org. Mats and leashes can be picked up at the Lagoon House in Palm Bay, at the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville on Nov. 19th.

We will also be selling the mats the the Right Whale Festival and at the Biology of Marine Mammals Conference in Tampa. Pricing is as follows:

Sm. Door mat (18x30") $35

Med Doormat (21x33") $45

Large Doormat (24x36") $65

Dog Leash (5') $10

Finally, we encourage you all to attend the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville on November 19 from 10am-4pm. The festival features a beach clean-up, activities for children, music, food, and displays geared towards informing and inspiring the community about right whales, their habitat, and their conservation needs. More information on the festival can be found at http://public.sea2shore.org/right_whale_festival/. We hope to see you there!

Keep checking this blog throughout the coming winter for up-to-date information on right whale events and right whale sightings!

All the best! ~ Kerry Soltis and Julie Albert