October 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries announces an extension of a voluntary right whale Slow Zone. On October 7, 2021, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s vessel survey team observed the presence of right whales 20 nm South of Nantucket, MA. The right whale Slow Zone is in effect immediately and expires on October 22, 2021.
Also, on September 29, 2021 a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone under the Right Whale Slow Zone program was triggered and is currently in effect 65 nm South of Atlantic City, NJ to protect an aggregation of right whales. This Right Whale Slow Zone is in effect immediately through October 14, 2021.
VOLUNTARY Right whale “SLOW Zone”
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following areas where persistent aggregations of right whales have been detected. Please visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike for more information.
Slow Zone Coordinates:
South of Nantucket, MA — in effect through October 22, 2021
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38° 38′ N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58′ N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13′ W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04′ W
South of Atlantic City, NJ — in effect through October 14, 2021
NORTHERN BOUNDARY:41°20′ N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 40°35′ N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 69°32′ W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 70°32′ W