A slow zone, pictured in the map above, is now in effect off the coast of Ocean City after a right whale sighting.
New restrictions have been placed on boaters after another right whale sighting in the mid-Atlantic.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries reports a slow zone will remain in effect through Dec. 20 after an endangered right whale was detected off Ocean City. The agency is asking all boaters to reduce their speed when traversing the area.
“Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the areas where right whales have been detected to reduce the risk of vessel strikes,” a Facebook post reads.
The right whale sighting is not the first to occur this fall. In late October, DNR Fisheries enacted a slow zone after a right whale was detected off the coast. That restriction continued through Nov. 20.
Endangered North Atlantic right whales are at heightened risk for vessel strikes because they spend much of their time at or close to the water’s surface, according to NOAA Fisheries. As such, vessel strikes are a primary threat to the species.
In addition, right whales can be difficult to spot from a boat because of their dark color and lack of a dorsal fin. Environmental conditions like bad weather, murky water, and low light can affect boaters’ ability to see these whales.
To rebuild the North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries is enacting management measures to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes. That includes speed restrictions on marine vessels in certain areas where right whales are found.