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BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island. Recent observations reveal that very few humpback whales are feeding consistently in these areas. New 13-knot temporary whale waters are being implemented around Gloomy Knob and Blue Mouse Cove to protect at least 10 whales feeding in the area. The 13-knot speed limit around Jaw Point, implemented on July 17 will be reduced to 10-knots, as it is a narrow channel and partially overlaps with the existing 10-knot speed limit for harbor seal protection. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Saturday August 9th until further notice.
New whale waters:
A 13-knot speed limit in the West Arm near Gloomy Knob, between latitude lines 58o 47’, 58o 50’ North, including Blue Mouse Cove.
There is no vessel course restriction in this area.
In addition, the following whale waters areas remain in effect:
Lower Bay whale waters:
A 13-knot vessel speed limit remains in effect since June 28th in Lower Bay whale waters.
Vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least 1 nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.
Jaw Point whale waters:
A 10-knot vessel speed limit within one nautical mile of Jaw Point.
Note that that this area partially overlaps with a 10-knot vessel speed limit zone in Johns Hopkins Inlet from July 1 to August 31 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.
