July 12, 2013 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) has been established 100NM South of Providence, RI to protect an aggregation of 3 right whales sighted in this area on July 10, 2013. This DMA is in effect immediately through July 25, 2013. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
100NM South of Providence DMA — in effect through July 25, 2013
40 18N
39 39N
071 46W
070 54W
Nantucket Sound DMA — in effect through July 21, 2013
41 50N
41 10N
070 56W
070 04W
ACTIVE SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS (SMAs)
Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less (50 CFR 224.105) are in effect in the following areas:
Great South Channel SMA — in effect through July 31, 2013
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APPROACHING A RIGHT WHALE CLOSER THAN 500 YARDS IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW. PLEASE REPORT ALL RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS TO:
866-755-NOAA (8866)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RIGHT WHALE AERIAL SURVEYS AND HOW TO REPORT RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS, VISIT:
www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/SASInteractive2.html
