February 27, 2013 — NOAA Fisheries 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 20 right whales sighted in this area on February 26, 2013. This DMA is in effect immediately through March 13, 2013. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
Please visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike for a graphic depicting this area or see charts of seasonal and permanent management areas that are in effect.
Nantucket DMA — in effect through March 13, 2013
41 36N
40 53N
070 53W
069 55W
DOWNLOAD THE WHALE ALERT APP FOR iPAD AND iPHONE: stellwagen.noaa.gov/protect/whalealert.html
UPDATED ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS NOW SHOW SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS: www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/index.htm
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