MassWildlife extends small boat speed restriction in Cape Cod to protect right whales

Veer Mudambi, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
·2 min read

With the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales still in the Cape Cod Bay, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is extending the speed restriction on small vessels in Cape Cod Bay through May 15.

The state restriction applies to boats less than 65 feet, which are required to stay below 10 knots. A federal restriction on boats bigger than this will also be effect in the area during the same period.

There will be at least three exempt inshore water areas where the risk of collision is low.

Like many whales, right whales are filter feeders, using their baleen to capture plankton and other small fish as they move through the water, known as "skim feeding." As this primarily takes place at the surface or just below, it places the whale directly in the path of boat traffic.

Right whales on the edge of extinction

NOAA Fisheries stated there are approximately only 360 right whales in the world, and fewer than 70 reproductively active females.

On April 26, the Center for Coastal Studies documented over 50 right whales in Cape Cod Bay, including three mothers with calves, the press release said.

Right whales Cape Cod: How are right whales in Cape Cod Bay studied? A day on the research boat Shearwater

Right whales give birth only about every seven to 10 years, and the gestation period itself is one year. Calving takes place between December and March off the coast of the Carolinas, Georgia and northern Florida. Currently, 19 new calves have been identified this year, according to the NOAA Fisheries website. The calf will stay with its mother for about another year.

Federal law about how close you can get to whales

CAPE COD BAY -- 04/01/24 -- A right whale dives deeper into the water showing off its flukes. A team from the Center for Coastal Studies was out in Cape Cod Bay Monday searching for North Atlantic right whales. Aboard the research vessel Shearwater, the group documented right whale sightings and collected zooplankton samples. Eighteen to 19 right whales were seen on the almost nine hour trip. Photos taken under the Center for Coastal Studies’ NOAA permit 25740-02. Merrily Cassidy/Cape Cod Times

Mass Fisheries advises all mariners to use extreme caution when boating in the area, and reminds the public that it is unlawful, under state and federal law, to approach a right whale within 500 yards.

How to report an entangled whale

If you observe a right whale entangled in fishing gear while on the water, report it immediately to the Center for Coastal Studies (800-900-3622), the state Office of Environmental Law Enforcement (800-632-8075) or the federalEntanglement Hot Line: (866- 755-6622).

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Cape Cod Bay boat speed restriction extended to May 15 for right whales