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Contact: Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230
BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that the July 25th 13-knot vessel speed limit for all vessels in the Lower Bay, Whidbey Passage, and near Willoughby Island are lifted due to declining whale sightings in those areas. However, at least eight humpback whales, including a mother-calf pair, are feeding within Berg Bay, so a 13-knot speed restriction is being implemented there. These updated operating requirements, shown on the enclosed map, are effective from 5 AM Saturday August 12th until further notice.The new whale waters area is as follows:
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A 13 knot speed limit in Berg Bay, with the mouth of Berg Bay bounded by a line drawn between the north tip of Lars Island and the point of land north of Netland Island.
In addition, the following whale waters areas remain in effect:
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A 20-knot speed limit in the Lower Bay designated whale waters.
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In the Lower Bay, vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least one 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. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present. Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale. 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.
Last updated: August 11, 2023