NOAA Creates New Slow Zone To Protect Whales Off Nantucket

Rescue Attempt Of Rare North Atlantic Whale — A rare North Atlantic right whale surfaces June 27, 2001 off the coast of Massachusetts. Scientists launched a second rescue attempt July 10, 2001 to remove fishing line embedded in the infected jaw of the endangered 45-foot whale.

December 16, 2020

NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — Federal authorities are implementing a speed restriction zone southeast of Nantucket due to the presence of an endangered species of whale in the area.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the voluntary vessel speed restriction zone was triggered by an observation of North Atlantic right whales on Dec. 14. The whales number 366 in the world and they are vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

NOAA has asked mariners to avoid the area altogether or travel through it at 10 knots or less. The whales were spotted by an aerial survey team from the New England Aquarium.

The slow zone is in effect through Dec. 29, NOAA said.