New Slow Speed Zones to Protect Right Whales

CAPE COD-  After losing 7 animals, or approximately 4% of the right whale population from 2017-2018, NOAA has announced both voluntary and mandatory speed resections for boaters in Massachusetts, and other East Coast areas.

Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following area where a group of right whales has been sighted.

  • South of Martha’s Vineyard – In effect through May 9.

Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less have also been placed into in effect in the following areas:

  • Off Race Point in effect through April 30
  • Block Island SMA in effect through April 30, 2018
  • Cape Cod Bay SMA in effect through May 15, 2018
  • New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk SMA in effect through April 30, 2018
  • Great South Channel in effect through July 31

For more information on these restrictions and the whale population, you can visit www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov.

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