February 19, 2013 — NOAA Fisheries Service announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) has been established in the vicinity of Nantucket Island to protect an aggregation of 8 North Atlantic right whales sighted in this area on February 15, 2013. This DMA is in effect immediately through March 1, 2013. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
Nantucket DMA Coordinates — in effect through March 1, 2013
41 36N
40 53N
070 53W
069 55W
Southern New Jersey DMA — in effect through February 22, 2013
39 38N
38 55N
074 21W
073 27W
For a visual of this area and information on other voluntary and mandatory seasonal speed restriction areas in effect, please visit our website.
DOWNLOAD THE WHALE ALERT APP FOR iPAD AND iPHONE
UPDATED ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS NOW SHOW SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS
DETAILS AND GRAPHICS OF ALL SHIP STRIKE MANAGEMENT ZONES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT
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)
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RIGHT WHALE AERIAL SURVEYS AND HOW TO REPORT RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS