March 20, 2024 — Some boating and fishing advocates are voicing concerns in response to regulations meant to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales moving closer to potential implementation.
If approved, NOAA’s Vessel Strike Reduction rule would require speed restrictions of 10 knots for smaller vessels under 65 feet in length in certain parts of the ocean where endangered whales are spotted. Larger vessels are already subject to restrictions.
For Cape Cod Bay currently, Massachusetts state law requires most vessels less than 65 feet to travel at 10 knots or less in the Cape Cod Bay Vessel Speed Restriction Area from March 1 to April 30. Speed restrictions may be extended by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) if right whales are spotted outside that window.