News Release

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective September 13th, 2023

News Release Date: September 12, 2023

Contact: Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA  – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today a 10-knot vessel speed limit in Tarr Inlet and Johns Hopkins Inlet.  There are at least 3 humpback whales feeding in these areas, putting them at risk of collisions with vessels. New whale waters areas are being implemented to protect the whales that are using these areas. Some of these whales have been reported crossing very close to large vessels in transit. Vessels greater than 200 ft (61 m) in length are required to travel at a speed no greater than 10 knots through these temporary whale waters. These updated operating requirements, shown on the attached map, are effective from 5 AM Wednesday, September 13th until further notice.

The boundary of the temporary whale waters area is defined by:

• At the entrance to Johns Hopkins Inlet, a straight line from the point of land just east of Lamplugh Glacier, continuing past the northern tip of Russell Island and to the mainland shore northeast of Russell Island.

In addition, in the Lower Bay Whale Waters, a 20-knot speed limit and 1 nautical mile from shore course restriction for all vessels have been in place since May 15th. These restrictions remain unchanged.

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 [phone] or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.