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NOAA Fisheries announces the annual opening of a Seasonal Management Area (SMA) in the Great South Channel to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on April 1, 2025. All vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in this area to reduce the threat of vessel collisions with these endangered whales. The Great South Channel SMA is in effect through July 31, 2025.
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.
Great South Channel SMA:
Waters bounded by:
42°30'N, 069°45'W
42°30'N, 067°27'W
42°09'N, 067°08'24"W
41°00'N, 069°05'W
41°40'N, 069°45'W then back to starting point.
 Other Active SMAs
Off Race Point SMA (March 1-April 30)
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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