Watch Out for Whales in New York's Waters

NOAA Fisheries administers vessel speed reduction zones which include both mandatory (Seasonal Management Areas) and voluntary (Dynamic Management Areas/Slow Zones) speed reduction areas for vessels to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to critically endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with vessels. 

In the Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), all vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots to reduce the threat of vessel collisions. Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) are voluntary Slow Zones that are triggered when 3 or more right whales are recorded in an area. In DMAs, all vessels are encouraged to travel less than 10 knots. Boaters from Maine to Virginia, or interested parties, are encouraged to sign up for email or text notifications about the latest Right Whale Slow Zones/DMAs and SMAs. 

In July 2022, NOAA Fisheries proposed regulations that would broaden the requirements of mandatory speed reduction zones to further protect North Atlantic right whales. In addition to protecting North Atlantic right whales, Slow Zones provide added protection to all large whales and marine mammals.

Below are the current SMAs and DMAs in effect: