SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Wildlife officials are calling on boaters to give the rare right whale species plenty of room as they swim south along the East Coast to the waters off South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
The Savannah Morning News reports that in mid-November pregnant right whales swim from Canada and New England to coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to birth their calves. Scientists estimate there are 465 right whales remaining.
Wildlife biologist Tom Pitchford says people assume whales would be easy to see, but that's not true. To protect whales, federal law requires vessels and aircraft to keep a distance of 500 yards from them. Vessels 65 feet long and greater are also required to slow to 10 knots or less in areas they occupy along the East Coast.
