Right whales returning to Ga-Fla.-waters
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) – Georgia wildlife biologists say North Atlantic right whales are returning to Georgia and Florida coastal waters for the winter.
The whales spend the summer in the cooler waters off New England and Canada. Each fall, some return to Georgia and Florida.
The Florida Times-Union reports that biologists say about 200 right whales were documented off the Georgia coast during the 2008-09 season, including a record 39 sets of mother and calf.
Commercial vessel operators are being reminded that ships 65 feet or longer must follow federal speed restrictions when operating in waters designated as critical right whale habitat during certain times of year.