The right whale slow zone is pictured.
An offshore slow zone for boaters will remain in effect through Nov. 10 after endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted east of Ocean City last week.
Last Tuesday, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries issued a notice to boaters of a newly enacted right whale slow zone. Speed restrictions remain in effect through Monday.
“Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the area where right whales have been detected to reduce the risk of vessel strikes,” the notice reads.
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.