CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is urging boaters along the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to exercise extreme caution as the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales begin their migration into these waters.
With only about 380 of them remaining, each successful birth is vital for the species’ survival. Sightings have already been reported off Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Ga., and Cape Lookout, N.C., signaling the start of the calving season, which officially runs from Nov. 15 to April 15.
The whales, particularly mothers and their newborn calves, often swim slowly and close to shore, just below the surface, making them highly susceptible to vessel collisions. Such incidents can be fatal for the whales and pose significant risks to boats…