December 23, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) has been established south of Nantucket to protect an aggregation of 7 right whales sighted in this area on December 22, 2014. This DMA is in effect immediately through January 6, 2015. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
Cape Cod Bay DMA — in effect through January 6, 2015
42 11N
41 26N
070 43W
069 46W
South of Nantucket DMA — in effect through December 28, 2014
41 35N
40 56N
069 56W
070 46W
ACTIVE SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS (SMAs)
Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less (50 CFR 224.105) are in effect in the following areas:
Mid-Atlantic U.S. SMAs — in effect through April 30, 2015
Southeast U.S. SMA — in effect through April 15, 2015
FOR RECENT RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS, VISIT:
www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/
DOWNLOAD THE WHALE ALERT APP FOR iPAD AND iPHONE:
stellwagen.noaa.gov/protect/whalealert.html
DETAILS AND GRAPHICS OF ALL SHIP STRIKE MANAGEMENT ZONES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT:
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike
ACOUSTIC DETECTIONS IN CAPE COD BAY AND THE BOSTON TSS:
www.listenforwhales.org
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 (6622)