January 12, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries announces a new Slow Zone (voluntary vessel speed restriction zone) southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. On January 9, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Atlantic City Buoy acoustically detected the presence of right whales 20nm southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. This new Slow Zone is in effect until January 24, 2021.
Also, on January 8, a New England Aquarium aerial survey team detected the presence of right whales south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. This slow zone is extended through January 23.
Mariners, please go around these areas or go slow (10 knots or less) inside this area where right whales have been detected.
The South of Martha’s Vineyard Slow Zone is in effect through January 23 for waters bounded by:
41 25 N
40 44 N
069 59 W
070 55 W
The Southeast of Atlantic City Slow Zone is in effect through January 24 for waters bounded by:
39 25 N
38 44 N
073 44 W
074 36 W
See the coordinates for all the slow zones currently in effect.