BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Philip Hooge announced today a new temporary whale waters area within 1 nautical mile of North Marble Island and Sturgess Island. The updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Wednesday August 28th until further notice.
As shown on the attached map, all vessels are required to travel at a speed no greater than 13 knots through the water within 1 nautical mile of Sturgess Island and within 1 nautical mile of North Marble Island. The 13-knot speed limit in temporary whale waters at the entrance to the West Arm and the 20-knot speed limit and 1 nautical mile from shore or mid-channel course restriction in Lower Bay Whale Waters both remain in effect.
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. 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. Vessels should 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.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
