Effective Through April 14 and 15
On March 30, 2025, the Ocean City buoy operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, MD. The right whale slow zone is in effect through April 14, 2025.
Additionally, on March 31, 2025, the Martha’s Vineyard buoy operated by the WHOI redetected the presence of right whales southwest of Nantucket, MA. The right whale slow zone is in effect through April 15, 2025.
As a reminder, one additional Slow Zone is also currently in effect. Locations and effective dates are listed below.
Voluntary Right Whale "Slow Zone" Areas
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected. Please visit our website for more information.
 Southwest of Nantucket Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 31 - April 15, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 41°20' N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 40°40' N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 69°53' W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 70°46' W
East of Ocean City Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 30 - April 14, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38' N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58' N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13' W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04' W
Southeast of Atlantic City, NJ Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective March 27 - April 11, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 39°25' N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°44' N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 73°44' W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 74°36' W
|
