Notices

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May 20, 2024

New Right Whale Slow Zone: SE Atlantic City, NJ

Effective Through June 2

On May 18, 2024, the Coastal New Jersey Slocum glider operated by the Rutgers University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution detected the presence of right whales southeast of Atlantic City, NJ. The slow zone is in effect through June 2.

As a reminder, one additional Slow Zone is also currently in effect. Locations and effective dates are listed below.

VOLUNTARY Right whale "Slow Zone" AREAS

Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected. Please visit our website for more information.

Southeast of Atlantic City, NJ Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective May 18-June 2, 2024

Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 39°17' N

SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°37' N

EASTERN BOUNDARY: 73°00' W

WESTERN BOUNDARY: 73°52' W

East of Ocean City, MD Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective May 7-22, 2024

Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38' N

SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58' N

EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13' W

WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04' W

Active Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs)

Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less (50 CFR 224.105) are in effect for vessels 65 feet or larger in the following areas:

Great South Channel SMA (Apr. 1 - Jul. 31)

Give Right Whales Room

North Atlantic right whales are on the move along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. If seen, remember that approaching a right whale closer than 500 yards is a violation of federal and state law.

Right Whales in Trouble

Endangered North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction. There are approximately 360 individuals remaining, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females. Human impacts continue to threaten the survival of this species.

In August 2017, NOAA Fisheries declared the increase in right whale mortalities an “Unusual Mortality Event,” which helps the agency direct additional scientific and financial resources to investigating, understanding, and reducing the mortalities in partnership with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and outside experts from the scientific research community.

More Information

Details and graphics of all of all vessel strike management zones currently in effect.

Download the Whale Alert app for iPad, iPhone, and Android for real time updates on Slow Zones, SMAs, and other right whale sightings.

Recent right whale sightings and real-time acoustic detections along the eastern seaboard.

Find out more about our right whale conservation efforts and the researchers behind those efforts.

Spread the Word!All boaters from Maine to Virginia, or interested parties, can sign up for email or text notifications about the latest Right Whale Slow Zones. You can also follow us on Facebook (@NOAAFisheriesNEMA) and Twitter (@NOAAFish_GARFO) for announcements.Share our video on Right Whale Slow Zones.
Questions?Media: Contact GARFO Public Affairs

Disclaimer: For quality assurance purposes please note well that while the information contained in this website is regularly vetted for accuracy it is not intended to replace the local knowledge or expertise pertaining to port conditions of our marine operations personnel.