Captain Don Lewis of The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) yesterday presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Captain Andrew Bielecki and the crew of the Stena Timer for their efforts and ship management practices during the 2001 northern right whale calving season. The Stena Timer is under charter to Crowley Liner Services and is deployed in the company's Bahamas service. Off the coast of Florida, the calving season lasts from December through the end of March. Warning System (EWS) and authorities from the states of Florida and Georgia monitor the calving area in small planes. The sighting information is passed on to ships passing through the area in an effort to prevent collisions between the ships and the whales.