BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Deputy Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that the 13-knot “whale waters" vessel speed limits around Lone, Francis, and Willoughby Islands are being lifted due to a drop in whale sightings in these areas. These changes are effective beginning at 5 AM Saturday September 10th.
In Lower Glacier Bay, the 13-knot speed limit remains in effect, and vessels 18-feet or more in length are required to remain at least 1 nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.
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. Whales may surface in unexpected locations, and vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present. Boaters may verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.
Tags: whale waters glacier bay national park and preserve humpback whale
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
