November 23, 2011 – NOAA Fisheries Service announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area – DMA) has been established in the vicinity of Cashes Ledge to protect an aggregation of 23 right whales sighted in this area on November 22, 2011. This DMA is in effect immediately through December 7, 2011. Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.
VOLUNTARY DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT AREAS (DMAs)
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following areas where persistent aggregations of right whales have been sighted. Please visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike for a graphic depicting this area.
Cashes Ledge DMA — active through December 7, 2011
43 27N
42 30N
069 52W
068 30W
Other DAM areas currently in effect include:
Jeffreys Ledge DMA — active through December 1, 2011
43 26N
42 39N
070 41W
069 37W
Jordan Basin DMA — active through November 24, 2011
43 52N
43 04N
068 51W
067 50W
APPROACHING A RIGHT WHALE CLOSER THAN 500 YARDS IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW. PLEASE REPORT ALL RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS TO 978-585-8473. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RIGHT WHALE AERIAL SURVEYS AND HOW TO REPORT RIGHT WHALE SIGHTINGS, VISIT: www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/SASInteractive2.html