April 30, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Critically endangered North Atlantic right whales are moving north and through waters surrounding Massachusetts. Along with entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with vessels are one of the biggest barriers to the species’ recovery.
With high right whale numbers in and around Cape Cod Bay, we’re asking all vessels to slow down to 10 knots or less. Collisions can be deadly for these whales, especially young calves traveling through these waters for the first time. Collisions are also dangerous for the vessels involved. Stay safe and help protect right whales by slowing down where right whales are found.
In some of these waters, speed restriction measures are in place and enforced. Learn more about federal and state speed restrictions and use the Whale Alert App to stay informed about right whale detections and Right Whale Slow Zones.