New Right Whale Slow Zone and Extension: E of Ocean City, MD and SW of Nantucket, MA
Effective Through April 14 and 15 On March 30, 2025, the Ocean City buoy operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, MD. The right whale slow zone is in effect through April 14, 2025.
Additionally, on March 31, 2025, the Martha’s Vineyard buoy operated by the WHOI redetected the presence of right whales southwest of Nantucket, MA. The right whale slow zone is in effect through April 15, 2025.
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 Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected. Please visit our website for more information.
Southwest of Nantucket Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 31 - April 15, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 41°20' N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 40°40' N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 69°53' W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 70°46' W
East of Ocean City Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 30 - April 14, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38' N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58' N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13' W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04' W
Southeast of Atlantic City, NJ Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 27 - April 11, 2025
For your awareness, starting May 13, NOAA Fisheries will be sending text message alerts from a new, toll-free phone number: (844) 548-2865. This will replace our current 468-311 number. Learn more about our text message service.
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.
Access our team on the go
There are two ways to ensure you can always reach us.
Mobile App
Download our mobile app to search our corporate directory and contact us.
Print Directory
Download and print out our foldable portable directory for quick access.
