June 20, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries has established a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone south of Nantucket, MA established to protect an aggregation of three right whales sighted in this area on June 15, 2017.
Mariners, please avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the area (map below).
Nantucket, MA zone coordinates:
41 17 N
40 47 N
070 24 W
069 44 W
This voluntary speed restriction zone is in effect through June 30.
Find out more about all the dynamic and seasonal management areas where speed is restricted.
Learn more about how to reduce vessels strikes of whales.
You can also get recent right whale sightings and the latest acoustic detections of right whales in Cape Cod Bay and the Boston shipping lanes. Or, download the Whale Alert app for iPad and iPhone.
Remember that 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)
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov