ATLANTA (AP) – Conservation groups are trying to scuttle construction of one of Georgia’s biggest marinas by staking their argument on a whale dying off the coast of New England.

The endangered North Atlantic right whale was clipped in March by a yacht off Georgia’s coast and has since become a rallying cry for environmental groups opposing the 400-boat marina at Cumberland Harbour. The whale was last seen earlier this fall, apparently near death, off the coast of Cape Cod.

The marina is a short boat ride from Cumberland Island, a federally protected seashore and a favorite breeding ground for the threatened whale species. Only about 350 remain.

“If a 65-foot commercial vessel can harm a right whale, so can a 65-foot recreation vehicle,” said Chris DeScherer, senior lawyer at Southern Environmental Law Center.

Earlier this year, conservationists asked state officials to deny a construction permit if developers did not slow boat speeds in critical areas during calving season or take other steps to reduce the risk to the endangered whales.

At least eight right whales have died in the past 18 months, including three pregnant females. Four were struck by ships or entangled in fishing gear.

George Miners, the general manager of the marina project, developed by Atlanta-based Land Resources Co., said boater education programs will inform residents of guidelines, including a 1,500 foot buffer zone in calving areas.

Residents could lose boating privileges if they don’t follow the guidelines, he said.

AP-ES-11-01-05 1454EST