June 28, 2017 — A voluntary speed restriction zone about 15 miles south of Nantucket has been established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division.
It comes after three right whales were spotted in the area recently.
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.