March 16, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) is currently in effect south of Martha's Vineyard to protect an aggregation of 6 right whales spotted by NOAA Fisheries observers.
This DMA is in effect immediately through March 28, 2015. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
This DMA is bounded by the following coordinates:
41 24N
40 41N
071 13W
070 11W
ACTIVE SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS (SMAs)
Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less (50 CFR 224.105) are in effect in the following areas:
Cape Cod Bay U.S. SMA (through May 15, 2015)
Mid-Atlantic U.S. SMAs (through April 30, 2015)
Southeast U.S. SMA (through April 15, 2015)
Download the Whale Alert App for iPad and iPhone:
stellwagen.noaa.gov/protect/whalealert.html
For an automatic return email listing all current U.S. Dynamic Management and Seasonal Management Areas, please send a blank message to:
nmfs.gar.rightwhale@noaa.gov
Details and graphics of all ship strike management zones currently in effect:
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike
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)