As a result of a grant awarded to FWC educational signs are being
posted throughout the Southeastern United States to increase right
whale awareness.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) was awarded a grant in 2004 from the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation aimed at increasing mariner awareness of
right whale conservation and recovery through the development and
strategic placement of right whale protection signs. The
3-foot by 4-foot metal signs provide information such as physical
characteristics that help to identify right whales, and includes a
map showing seasonal distribution of right whales off of the
coastal southeastern United States. The signs also highlight
how the boating public can help protect this endangered species,
including abiding by the federal 500-yard no approach regulation
and immediately contacting the U.S. Coast Guard if an injured,
entangled, or dead right whale is sighted. Partners with this
project include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the University of
North Carolina Wilmington, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. The FWC, along with these partners, are
strategically placing approximately 140 signs at participating
facilities throughout the coastal areas of the southeastern United
States. The signs are generally placed within close proximity to
oceanic inlets near the right whales' migratory route or calving
areas. Right whale signs can also be found at major boat ramp
facilities servicing boaters who frequent these coastal waters.
Download
a PDF version of the right whale sign (PDF file-565
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