Courtesy of NOAA.
NANTUCKET – In an effort to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, NOAA Fisheries has implemented a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone off Nantucket.
The Dynamic Management Area 11 miles southwest of the island was established after six whales were spotted in the area on Tuesday.
Mariners are asked to avoid the area or travel at speeds of 10 knots or less through April 4.
At least 18 of the whales died over the last year and the population is estimated to be around 430.
Vessel strikes and entanglements have been found to be the primary cause for a majority of the deaths.
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