BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Jake Ohlson announced today a 13-knot vessel speed limit near the entrance to the West Arm and near the Marble Islands. Recent sightings indicate that at least 18 humpback whales are feeding in these areas, putting them at risk of collisions with vessels. New whale waters areas are being implemented to protect the whales that are using these areas. All vessels in these temporary whale waters are required to travel at a speed no greater than 13 knots through the water. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Wednesday June 7th until further notice.
Near North Marble and South Marble Islands, the 13-knot vessel speed limit applies in waters within one nautical mile of shore.
In the West Arm, the 13-knot vessel speed limit applies in all waters bounded by:
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A line due east from the point of land south of Blue Mouse Cove at latitude 58o 47’
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An east-west line between the upper Gilbert Peninsula and Gloomy Knob at latitude 58o 50’.
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The boundaries of the area go across the mouth of Blue Mouse Cove and the mouth of Tidal Inlet but do not include the waters within Tidal Inlet or Blue Mouse Cove.
In addition, in the Lower Bay Whale Waters, a 20-knot speed limit and 1 nautical mile from shore course restriction have been in place since May 15th. These restrictions remain unchanged.
Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present. Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale.
Boaters are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.
Tags: whale waters news press release
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service