Aerial team searches for right whales

Scientists from the New York-based Wildlife Trust are back and flying over South Carolina's coast, searching for right whales.

Last year the State Ports Authority began its $1 million, five-year partnership with the international conservation group. The agency renewed that commitment with its second installment of up to $200,000 this year, it was announced Monday.

North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species with an estimated 400 remaining members, migrate down the Southeastern coast between November and April to give birth. For the next five months, two observers will trace 16 survey lines off the Charleston coast, looking for the whales.

Dianna Schulte, the Wildlife Trust's aerial survey team leader for South Carolina, said Monday marked the group's first flight. The team did not spot any whales.

Aerial monitoring shows scientists how the mammals distribute themselves while calving. Some of the whales' greatest threats are being hit by passing ships or becoming entangled in fishing gear. Schulte said each time the group spots a whale, it will page a warning out to all vessels in the area.

This trip comes at a sensitive time. A federal rule issued last month requires ships longer than 65 feet to slow to about half-speed within 23 miles of the coastline in areas along the whales' migration path.

The SPA stepped up its right whale protection efforts during the permitting process for its terminal under construction at the former Navy base.

The agency's chief executive officer, Bernard Groseclose, called the partnership "part of our overall commitment to protecting the environment," which includes more than $12 million in community and environmental projects associated with port expansion.

The team will study the waters between Cape Romain and Fripp Island.