BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Philip Hooge announced today that a 13-knot vessel speed restriction will be implemented in a portion of the West Arm due to a high concentration of humpback whales. Numerous humpback whales have been observed widely distributed in this area. Some of the whales are diving for 8-10 minutes at a time, making it difficult for vessels to spot and effectively avoid them.
This change goes into effect beginning at 5:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22. As shown on the attached map, the newly designated whale waters are defined as follows:
West Arm - 13 knot speed restriction only
This area is defined by the following boundaries:
* Northern boundary: A line due east from the eastern point of Scidmore Cut to a point one nautical mile offshore at 58o 50.92 minutes North and 136 o 34.82 minutes West.
* Eastern Boundary: A line from that point to the westernmost point of Lone Island.
* Southern boundary: A line from the westernmost point of Lone Island to the northern point defining the mouth of Geikie Inlet.
* Western boundary: The shoreline of the Gilbert Peninsula from the eastern point of Scidmore Cut to the shore at the northern point defining the mouth of Geikie Inlet, including the waters of Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Inlet.
Current whale waters also include:
Lower Glacier Bay - 20 knot speed and course restriction
Annually from May 15 - Sept. 30, a 20 knot speed and mid-channel course restriction are in effect in the the Lower Bay. This area includes all waters between the mouth of Glacier Bay and a line drawn between the northern tip of Strawberry Island and the northern tip of Lars Island. This boundary is shown on NOAA nautical charts of Glacier Bay. Mariners are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.
Note that there are also smaller concentrations of whales elsewhere in Glacier Bay. It is important for vessel operators to keep a sharp lookout and reduce speed when necessary. Vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile of a humpback whale in Park waters and are required to reduce speed if they find themselves within ¼ nautical mile of a whale. Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce whale disturbance and lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
