Researchers predict robust year for right whale births

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- An abundant food supply and a new program to keep ships away should help right whales as they make their winter trek south to give birth.

Georgia's coast is the only known North Atlantic calving grounds for one of the world's most endangered large whales.

In 2000, 31 calves were born here; 27 survived into their first year. This year, the first mother-calf pair was sighted in Georgia off St. Catherines Island last week. Right whales roam the area from December until the end of March, depending on water temperature.

Each calf is a precious addition to the small population of North Atlantic right whales. With only about 350 adults, the right whale teeters on the brink of extinction.

"We feel pretty hopeful. They just look healthy," said Chris Slay, a researcher with the New England Aquarium who spends summers observing right whales in Canada's Bay of Fundy and spends winters watching the same whales off the Georgia and Florida coasts.

Well-fed females are more likely to give birth and to give birth to healthy calves. Whales give birth every two to three years as females need a long recovery time from the birth and nursing of their large calves.

"If you look at the trends over the years, there is anecdotal evidence that there seems to be two good years and three bad years," said Barb Zoodsma, senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife resources division.

Apaging system now allows observers to communicate with harbor pilots, the Navy and Coast Guard, who then contact commercial ships.

Strikes by ships and entanglement in some fishing gear are the biggest threats to right whales.