July 21, 2017 –A voluntary speed restriction zone about 15 miles south of Nantucket has been extended by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division.
NOAA established the speed restriction zone last month due to the presence of three endangered North Atlantic right whales.
The voluntary speed restriction zone will be in effect through July 30.
According to researchers, there are only about 400 North Atlantic right whales still in existence.
Those who approach a right whale closer than 500 yards will be in violation of federal and state law and could lead to criminal charges.
All right whale sightings are to be reported at 1-866-755-6622.