NOAA Establishes Voluntary Speed Restriction Zone South of Nantucket

Right Whale #1412 photographed April 20 in Cape Cod Bay. Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Christin Khan, NEFSC. Photos taken with research permit #17355

NANTUCKET – A voluntary speed restriction zone about 15 miles south of Nantucket has been established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division.

It comes after three right whales were spotted in the area recently.

According to researchers, there are only about 400 North Atlantic right whales still in existence.

Those who approach a right whale closer than 500 yards will be in violation of federal and state law and could lead to criminal charges.

All right whale sightings are to be reported at 1-866-755-6622.