Voluntary Right Whale Speed Restriction Zone in Rhode Island

 

A voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area - DMA) has been established in Rhode Island Sound to protect an aggregation of 4 right whales sighted in this area on April 1, 2015.

This DMA is in effect immediately through April 16, 2015. 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 more information.

Rhode Island Sound DMA - in effect through April 16, 2015

41 37N

40 56N

071 39W

070 44W

ACTIVE SEASONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS (SMAs)

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

- Cape Cod Bay U.S. SMA -- in effect through May 15, 2015

- Mid-Atlantic U.S. SMAs -- in effect through April 30, 2015

- Great South Channel U.S. SMAs - in effect July 31, 2015

- Southeast U.S. SMA -- in effect through April 15, 2015

For recent right whale sightings, visit: www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/

Download the Whale Alert app for iPad and iPhone: stellwagen.noaa.gov/protect/whalealert.html

Details and graphics of all Ship Strike Management Zones currently in effect: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike

Acoustic detections in Cape Cod Bay and the Boston TSS: www.listenforwhales.org

Approaching a right whale closer than 500 yards is a violation of federal and state law. Please report all right whale sightings to: 866-755-NOAA (6622)