fishsmith
04-29-2003, 11:30 AM
Officials issue warning to mariners as whales congregate in Cape Cod Bay
By Associated Press, 4/29/2003 07:46
PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (AP) State and federal officials have issued a warning for mariners to look out for a group of 15 right whales feeding off the coast of Cape Cod.
Only about 300 of the North Atlantic right whales remain and an average of two per year are killed by entanglements with marine rope or by ship strike. Spring is feeding time for the whales, which are largely oblivious to their surroundings while eating, making them more vulnerable to injury.
The whales are currently feeding in the western end of Cape Cod Bay. The whales would normally be located in the northeastern part of the bay on their way to summer feeding grounds in Canada.
The state advisory requires mariners to reduce speed to 15 knots or less, post a lookout, and stay at least 500 yards away from any right whales.
By Associated Press, 4/29/2003 07:46
PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (AP) State and federal officials have issued a warning for mariners to look out for a group of 15 right whales feeding off the coast of Cape Cod.
Only about 300 of the North Atlantic right whales remain and an average of two per year are killed by entanglements with marine rope or by ship strike. Spring is feeding time for the whales, which are largely oblivious to their surroundings while eating, making them more vulnerable to injury.
The whales are currently feeding in the western end of Cape Cod Bay. The whales would normally be located in the northeastern part of the bay on their way to summer feeding grounds in Canada.
The state advisory requires mariners to reduce speed to 15 knots or less, post a lookout, and stay at least 500 yards away from any right whales.