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BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the vessel speed restriction of 13-knots through the water is being removed in Lower Glacier Bay, due to a decrease in the number of humpback whales in the area. In the Lower Bay there is a 20-knot speed limit for all vessels May 15-September 30th annually. The 13-knot speed limit in and around Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Rocks, implemented on August 21st, will remain in effect. The 10-knot speed limit around Jaw Point, implemented on August 9th, will remain in effect. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Wednesday August 27th until further notice. See map attached below.
Lower Bay whale waters:
A 20-knot speed limit for all vessels May 15-September 30 annually.
Vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least one nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.
In addition, the following whale waters areas remain in effect:
Hugh Miller Rocks / Blue Mouse Cove whale waters:
A 13-knot speed limit for all vessels in waters within one nautical mile of Hugh Miller Rocks, and within one nautical mile of the unnamed island just south of Blue Mouse Cove, including the waters of Blue Mouse Cove.
There are no vessel course restrictions in these areas.
Jaw Point whale waters:
A 10-knot speed limit for all vessels within one nautical mile of Jaw Point.
Note that this area partially overlaps with a 10-knot vessel speed limit zone in Johns Hopkins Inlet for harbor seal protection from July 1st to August 31st annually, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1176.
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. In all Park waters, vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile (0.25 nautical mile) of a humpback whale. If a vessel is accidentally positioned within ¼ mile, the operator must immediately slow the vessel to 10 knots or less and alter course away from the whale until at least ¼ mile separation is established. 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.
