NANTUCKET – The voluntary vessel speed restriction zone to protect right whales has again been extended by federal officials.
The decision was made after 15 right whales were sighted in the area just south of Nantucket this week.
The restriction will now be in place until April 23.
Mariners are requested to route around the area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
Whales were spotted in or near shipping lanes.
North Atlantic right whales are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Scientists estimate there are slightly more than 400 remaining.
The first mother and calf were spotted earlier this week in Cape Cod Bay.
Mandatory speed of 10 knots or less remain in effect for Cape Cod Bay and just off Race Point in Provincetown.
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