NOAA Fisheries announces the annual opening of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) in the Mid-Atlantic to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on November 1, 2023. All vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in this area to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with these endangered whales. The Mid-Atlantic SMAs are in effect through April 30, 2024.
Because vessels of all sizes can strike and injure a right whale, NOAA Fisheries also encourages vessels less than 65 feet in length to slow down to 10 knots or less within active SMAs.
Mid-Atlantic SMA (Migratory Route and Calving Grounds) includes:
Block Island Sound waters bounded by:
40°51’53.7″ N 070°36’44.9″ W
41°20’14.1″ N 070°49’44.1″ W
41°04’16.7″ N 071°51’21.0″ W
40°35’56.5″ N 071°38’25.1″ W then back to starting point.
Within a 20-nm (37 km) radius of the following (as measured seaward from the COLREGS lines):
Ports of New York/New Jersey:
40°29’42.2″N 073°55’57.6″W
