BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Philip Hooge announced today the lifting of the 13-knot vessel speed limit around South Marble Island and increasing the speed limit in Lower Glacier Bay to 20 knots through the water. In the Lower Bay, the 20-knot speed limit as well as a mid-channel or 1 nm-from-shore course restriction remains in place through September 30th. At the entrance to the East Arm, a new whale waters area with a speed limit of 13 knots through the water was announced to protect several humpback whales feeding regularly in the area. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Tuesday, July 23 until further notice.
The East Arm Entrance whale waters area (shown on the attached map) is defined as follows:
* Northern Boundary: Line from the north tip of Sebree Island to Caroline Shoal and continuing past the northern tip of Garforth Island to the mainland shore.
* Southern Boundary: Line extending from the southern tip of Sebree Island to the point defining the northern extent of Spokane Cove
* Eastern Boundary: The mainland shoreline east of Garforth island to the entrance to Spokane Cove, including the waters of North and South Sandy Cove
* All waters within 1 nautical mile of Sturgess Island
In addition to the East Arm Entrance hot-spot, humpback whales have been sighted recently in other parts of Glacier Bay, including several that are ranging widely in the West Arm. Boaters are advised to proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present because whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale. Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174.
Vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile of a humpback whale in Park waters, including those Park waters outside Glacier Bay proper. Vessels positioned within ½ nautical mile of a humpback whale are prohibited from altering their course or speed in a manner that results in decreasing the distance between the whale and the vessel. Boaters 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.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
