Slow for whales: Speed limits proposed

Ships calling on the Port of Savannah would have to "slow for right whales" if a new ship speed limit takes effect.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing a 10 knot speed limit for ships 65 feet or longer within 20 miles of shore during the fall-to-spring right whale migratory season.

Ten knots is about 12 miles per hour and in some cases half the speed of ships entering port. That could cost shippers millions.

NOAA did, however, give the shipping industry a key provision in the proposal. The speed limit would be temporary, allowing shippers to come back in 5 years with what they hope will be better whale-spotting technology making speed limits unnecessary.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered animals on Earth, with perhaps only 300-400 left. NOAA has been considering a speed limit since 2005, since which time, 12 right whales have been critically injured or killed.