NOAA warns boaters about whales on the move

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) —  The Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is giving anyone on the water a heads up for migrating whales.

NOAA said North Atlantic right whales are on the move, making their way south along the Atlantic coast.

NOAA said right whale calving season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April and boaters should stay alert and keep their distance.

North Atlantic right whales are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Scientists estimate there are as few as 465 right whales remaining, making them one of the rarest marine mammals in the world.

Federal law requires vessels and aircraft to keep a distance of 500 yards from right whales and vessels 65 feet long and greater are also required to slow to 10 knots or less.

For more information on seasonal ship speed restrictions, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/.