July 31, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
The voluntary vessel speed restriction zone south of Nantucket, MA has been extended and enlarged to protected an aggregation of four right whales sighted in this area on July 28, 2017.
Mariners, please avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the area.
Nantucket, MA zone coordinates:
- 41 33 N
- 40 54 N
- 070 35 W
- 069 42 W
This voluntary speed restriction zone is in effect through August 12.
Find out more about all the dynamic and seasonal management areas where speed is restricted.
Learn more about how to reduce vessels strikes of whales.
You can also get recent right whale sightings and the latest acoustic detections of right whales in Cape Cod Bay and the Boston shipping lanes. Or, download the Whale Alert app for iPad and iPhone.
Remember that 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 (6622)