Created: 11/13/2009 8:41:11 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaxport and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have started a program that will protect the mammals.
They are going to reward commercial ships that comply with some new guidelines.
The Polaris Leader is a ship from Singapore that transports vehicles. Friday, the Captain allowed us to on the bridge.
Twelve floors later, we are on the bridge where crewmen set their course, speed and direction. They also have binoculars to try and spot whales, especially when they come to Jaxport.
Jaxport is the only place in the world where North Atlantic Right Whales give birth to their calves. Officials encourage commercial ships to be mindful of this, so Jaxport and NOAA have asked them to follow some guidelines.
"Staying in appropriate channels and staying within appropriate speeds of ten nautical miles, or less, per hour."
And the reward for compliance? A flag that will represent the Captain's desire to protect Right Whales and their environment.
Captain Sanjay Paltanwale, from India, said he sees Right Whales about once a year, and avoiding them can be tricky.
He said if you're going to fast, you can miss them. According to Jaxport, it's all about balance.
"The balance is between commerce and economic development on one hand, and the preservation and sustainment of our environment, and the protection of endangered and scarce, natural resources, and maritime species."
The Right Whale calving season begins Nov. 15, and extends through April 15.
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