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 Acropora palmata thicket on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Andy Bruckner, 1996Coho salmon painting, Canadian Dept of Fisheries and OceansMonk seal, C.E. BowlbyHumpback whale, Dr. Lou Herman
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Reducing Ship Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales

 

Dynamic Management Areas (DMA)

Mariners are expected, but not required, to either avoid DMAs or travel through them at 10 knots or less.

There are no DMAs in effect at this time.
 

 

Seasonal Management Areas (SMA)

The following SMAs [pdf] are in effect at this time:

Northeast SMA
(various areas from January 31-July 31)
Northeast SMA
 
 

Related Links

North Atlantic Right Whales

Mandatory Ship Reporting

Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction - NOAA's Northeast Region

Right Whale Conservation - NOAA's Southeast Region

 
  right whale with indication of ship strike
North Atlantic Right Whale (video)
(Eubalaena glacialis)
Photo: NOAA

right whale calf swimming in water (video)
North Atlantic Right Whale (video)
(Eubalaena glacialis)
Photo: NOAA

right whale swimming in water (video)
North Atlantic Right Whale (video) This link is an external site.
(Eubalaena glacialis)
Video: WCSH6, Portland, ME

Speed Restrictions in Effect to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales
NMFS has established regulations to implement a 10-knot speed restriction for all vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or longer in certain locations along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard at certain times of the year. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships.

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to Implement the Vessel Operational Measures to Reduce Ship Strikes to the North Atlantic Right Whale
NOAA Fisheries issued regulations to reduce the likelihood of ship collisions with right whales. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) identified and assessed alternatives for the regulations. The FEIS includes analysis of environmental and economic impacts of the alternatives. The public comment period closed on September 29, 2008.

Routing Measures

Shift of the Boston Traffic Separation Scheme
On July 1, 2007, NOAA and the USCG implemented a shift in the Traffic Separation Scheme servicing Boston to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with right whales and other whale species. The realignment is expected to result in a 58% reduction in the risk of ship strikes to right whales, and an 81% risk reduction in ship strikes of other large whale species occurring in the area. The U.S. government submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization to modify the shipping lanes in April 2006, which was approved in December 2006.

Recommended Shipping Routes
In November 2006, NOAA established a set of recommended vessel routes in four locations to reduce the likelihood of ship collisions in key right whale habitats.

NOAA, USCG Provide Commercial Mariners with Free Interactive Guide to Right Whale Protection

Additional Supporting Documents

» Document Archive
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