BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit for all vessels in Berg Bay is lifted due to a lack of whale sightings in that area. These updated operating requirements, shown on the enclosed map, are effective from 5 AM Tuesday August 29th until further notice. The following whale waters areas remain in effect:
* A 20-knot speed limit in the Lower Bay designated whale waters.
* In the Lower Bay, vessels over 18 feet in length are required to remain at least one nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.
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 release
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service