Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area in effect March 1 - April 30 NOAA Fisheries announces the annual opening of the Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area (SMA) to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on March 1, 2025. Most vessels 65 feet or longer in length overall (LOA) are required to travel at 10 knots or less in this area to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with these endangered whales. The Off Race Point SMA is in effect through April 30, 2024.
Because vessels of all sizes can strike and injure a right whale, NOAA Fisheries also encourages vessels less than 65 feet in length to slow down to 10 knots or less within active SMAs.
NOTE: Also starting March 1, Massachusetts state law requires all vessels, regardless of size, to adhere to the 10 knot speed limit within the Cape Cod Bay SMA through April 30.
Approaching a right whale closer than 500 yards is a violation of federal law.
Please report all right whale sightings to 866-755-NOAA (6622).
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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.
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