North Atlantic Right Whale Seasonal Management Area
As of today, Friday November 1st, vessels 65 feet or longer must slow to 10 knots or less in the North Atlantic Right Whale Seasonal Management Area. For Rhode Islanders’ this encompasses the area south of Block Island (see map attached). On a broader scale, these management areas stretch from Massachusetts to Georgia to accommodate their fall migration.
These areas are designed to protect whales in areas where they are migrating and calving. Right whales are highly endangered with an estimated 340 individuals left. Whales spend a large portion of their time at the surface and may be difficult to spot – the risk of a vessel strike is especially high for moms with newborn calves.
Although the enforcement of the Seasonal Management Area pertains to larger vessels, all vessels are encouraged to slow down to reduce the chances of a vessel strike.
If Right Whales are observed at sea, please report sightings to RIDEM, US Coast Guard, NOAA, or the New England Aquarium. Photos of sightings are highly encouraged to assist in conservation and monitoring efforts.
For more information, please refer to the following NOAA links:
North Atlantic Right Whale | NOAA Fisheries [fisheries.noaa.gov]
Thank you
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