January 16, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) has been established 46 nautical miles southeast of Nantucket to protect an aggregation of 3 right whales sighted in this area on January 15, 2014. This DMA is in effect immediately through January 30, 2014. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
46nm Southeast of Nantucket DMA — in effect through January 30, 2014
41 04N
40 24N
069 38W
068 45W
Please visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike for a graphic depicting this area.
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 SMA — in effect through May 15, 2014
Mid-Atlantic SMAs — in effect through April 30, 2014
Southeast SMAs — in effect through April 15, 2014
FOR RECENT RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS, VISIT:
www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/SASInteractive2.html
DOWNLOAD THE WHALE ALERT APP FOR iPAD AND iPHONE:
stellwagen.noaa.gov/protect/whalealert.html
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)