Ormond Beach, FL (April 22, 2021) – Making a 1,400 mile trek from the northeastern regions of the United States and Canada, it’s a month-long journey traveling at 7 miles per hour.
The leisurely pace allows those with a natural fascination for the North Atlantic Right Whales an opportunity to observe the massive creatures as they frolic down the eastern seaboard on their way to birthing grounds in the warmer waters of the southern Atlantic.
Sharing his longtime passion for the ocean and whale watching, Frank Gromling hosted a talk about the endangered sea giants as part of the monthly Education Forum Series at the Ocean Art Gallery in Ormond Beach, on Thursday evening.
From the history of their decline in population over centuries as a result of the whaling industry, to their unique identifiable characteristics that help members of organizations like the Marineland Right Whale Project founded by Dr. Jim Hain, track their return year after year between December and March, it was an entertaining and informative look at what local whale watchers are seeing and noting as citizen scientists.
There’s even a catalog kept by the New England Aquarium, of those identified, dating back to 1935, known as the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog.
“I have been in, on and over the ocean since I was four years old. Since that time I have had a love for all things ocean and all creatures ocean and even those that are known as predators,” said Gromling. 
Federal laws are designed to protect the animals but factors like commercial fishing line and vessel strikes are still contributing to their mortality rate faster than they are repopulating.
“My belief is, that if we cannot save a large species such as this animal then it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the animals in the world,” he said.
“This is a species that has been around for eons and almost was eliminated by whalers in the 18, 19, and early 20th centuries. However, better minds, smarter minds came to play and there have been reasonable steps taken to help preserve it. My belief, if we need to get right down to it, is if we don’t protect this species, there will be others that will be in eminent danger as well because they’re in similar circumstances.”
Coinciding with Earth Day on April 22nd, Gromling said the timing was perfect but that conservation should be of concern every day.
“I give people a hard time about it because no one remembers that it was Richard Nixon that actually established it in 1972, but I honor Earth Day because it’s been very important for the country and nature. That my talk happened to fall on it was just circumstance.”
Ocean Art Gallery has created the monthly talks, each with a specific focus on either art, health or conservation in addition to the gallery’s diverse lineup of workshops and forums. Seating is limited for these no cost gallery events. Subscribe to news updates at the website for invitations to the Thursday Education Talks.
Ocean Art Gallery
197 E. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach, FL
May Education Forum Series (Free)
May 6th: Kenneth Fasnacht, Artist
May 20th: Sea Turtle Presentation by Ryan Chabot, Volusia Habitat Conservation Plan Program Manager
May 27th: Value of Volunteers in Conservation by Frank Gromling
