Lookout for the North Atlantic right whales

Captains,

NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Species is committed to preventing ship strikes. Their web site has more information.

RADM W

An excerpt from a recent NOAA press release follows:

Reducing Ship Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales (NOAA)
With only 300-400 in existence, North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered whales in the world. Their slow movements, time spent at the surface, and time spent near the coast make them highly vulnerable human activities, especially being struck by ships.

To report a ship strike, contact the NMFS Regional Stranding Coordinator in that area.
Recent right whale sightings
Right Whale Sightings in the Northeast U.S.
Right Whale Sightings in the Southeast U.S.

Speed Restrictions

All vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in certain locations (SMAs) [pdf] along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard at certain times of the year to reduce the threat of ship collisions with critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.