Advisory to Mariners -AGGREGATION OF RIGHT WHALES AROUND TIP OF CAPE COD

[mekcotuit]

April 11, 2008

MarineFisheries Advisory

AGGREGATION OF RIGHT WHALES AROUND TIP OF CAPE COD -

Advisory to Mariners

An aggregation of right whales around Provincetown has prompted the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) to issue an advisory to all vessel operators. Unusually high concentrations of whale are present throughout the nearshore areas spanning Provincetown Harbor to Race Point and beyond to Highland Light. Operators are advised to reduce speed (10 knots), post lookouts, and proceed with caution to avoid colliding with this highly endangered whale.

Vessels are prohibited by state and federal law from approaching within 500 yards of a right whale. Massachusetts Environmental Police and U.S. Coast Guard are authorized to enforce the 500- yard rule. Fishermen are reminded that the approach rule also prohibits them from starting fishing operations (setting or hauling gear) within 500 yards of a right whale.

The Massachusetts Right Whale Conservation Program has detected an unprecedented aggregation of right whales (50-70) around the tip of Cape Cod. These whales are feeding just below the surface and are vulnerable to vessel strikes. Extremely high concentrations of zooplankton along the northeastern margins of the Bay suggest that the aggregation and near-surface feeding activity will likely continue and that the risk of vessel strike will remain elevated in these areas. The zooplankton resource will be analyzed again in the next few days, at which time we will re-evaluate the level of risk. When right whales depart the area, the advisory will be lifted.

[fishonnelsons]

The whales are starting their annual Spring show - they come close for a number of reasons, but they have to be eating something.....