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NOAA Fisheries announces the annual opening of the Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area (SMA) to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on March 1, 2025. Most vessels 65 feet or longer in length overall (LOA) are required to travel at 10 knots or less in this area to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with these endangered whales. The Off Race Point SMA is in effect through April 30, 2024.
Because vessels of all sizes can strike and injure a right whale, NOAA Fisheries also encourages vessels less than 65 feet in length to slow down to 10 knots or less within active SMAs.
NOTE: Also starting March 1, Massachusetts state law requires all vessels, regardless of size, to adhere to the 10 knot speed limit within the Cape Cod Bay SMA through April 30.
Off Race Point SMA:
Waters Bounded by:
42°04'56.5"N, 070°12'W
42°12'N, 070°12'W
42°12'N, 070°30'W
42°30'N, 070°30'W
42°30'N, 069°45'W
41°40'N, 069°45'W then due west back to shore.
Other Active SMAs:
Cape Cod Bay SMA (January 1-May 15)
Mid-Atlantic U.S. SMAs (November 1-April 30)
Southeast U.S. SMAs (November 15-April 15)
 More Information
- Details and graphics of all of vessel strike management zones currently in effect.
- Approaching a right whale closer than 500 yards is a violation of federal law.
- Please report all right whale sightings to 866-755-NOAA (6622).
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