April 27, 2018 — With three North Atlantic right whales seen south of Martha’s Vineyard this week, mariners are advised to be on the lookout for the critically endangered animals.
NOAA Fisheries announced Thursday that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone has been established in the area after the whales were seen on 19 nautical miles south of the Vineyard on April 24. Mariners are asked to avoid the area or transit at 10 knots or less.
The restriction zone is in effect until May 9. Voluntary and mandatory speed restrictions are also in effect in other areas.
North Atlantic right whales feed in the waters off New England in the late winter and early spring. Researchers estimate that there are about 433 right whales in existence. With recent whale deaths from fishing gear entanglement and a low birth rate, scientists say the species could go extinct in the next 20 years.
Read the full story at the Vineyard Gazette