As a result the two sanctuaries have taken a strong interest in the marine mammal and have teamed-up to increase public awareness and education efforts concerning the conservation of the northern right whale. Sarah V. Mitchell, of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, designed the handbook and wrote the text with Ann Smrcina of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. A fold-out poster, created by Will Hon, accompanies the handbook and depicts the migration route, size, and anatomy of the great whale. The handbook, video, and poster explore the life history of the world's most endangered large whale and human's history with it from exploitation to conservation. It provides an interesting and timely background on the northern right whale and incorporates activities for interested students and teachers.
Special emphasis is placed on 'hands-on' learning and application.
Marine protected areas such as Stellwagen Bank and Gray's Reef are vital for the protection of endangered marine species and the conservation of the rich biodiversity of our marine environment. The handbook and poster were originally printed in 1996. The video is a new addition to the education set and is now available for distribution. This video is the newest edition to the endangered northern right whale education curriculum developed by Gray's Reef and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Together with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Film and Video Department, Gray's Reef and Stellwagen Bank compiled inspiring footage of whales feeding, mating, and calving.