July 6, 2017 — 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, MA to protect an aggregation of 3 right whales sighted in this area on July 3, 2017. This DMA is in effect immediately through July 18, 2017. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
VOLUNTARY DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT AREAS (DMAs)
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following areas where persistent aggregations of right whales have been sighted. Please visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike for more information.
South of Nantucket, MA DMA — in effect through July 18, 2017
41 32 N
40 53 N
070 29 W
069 36 W
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 U.S. SMA — in effect through July 31, 2017
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
Questions? Contact Peter Kelliher at 978-282-8474 or peter.kelliher@noaa.gov.