Quick Guide to Whale Alerts
WHALE ALERTs are short text and email messages that are intended for entities with marine operations that would benefit from real-time knowledge of known right whale sightings. WHALE ALERTs represent sightings from trained or verified sources and are sent via email from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI). Recipients include: U.S. Navy (via FACSFACJAX), USCG, USACE, dredge operations, shipping entities, law enforcement and whale researchers/managers.
To subscribe to WHALE ALERTs: Email nmfs.ser.rw.subscribe@noaa.gov with your name, affiliation, and reason for request.
Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule
Attention: All vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft (19.8 m) in overall length and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and all vessels greater than or equal to 65 ft in overall length entering or departing a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Recommended Shipping Lanes: Use Two-Way Routes To Avoid Whales
To minimize vessel collisions with endangered right whales during the winter/spring feeding season in Cape Cod Bay (January through May). These two-way routes and two-way track were established based on historical patterns of right whale distribution during this time frame.
See attached:
- Whale Alerts Guide
- Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule
- Recommended Shipping Lanes: Use Two-Way Routes To Avoid Whales
Additional Info
Attachment : Whale_Alert_Quick_Guide.pdf
Attachment : recommended_shipping_lanes_right_whale_ship_strike_reduction_OPR2.pdf
Attachment : compliance_guide_for_right_whale_ship_strike_reduction.pdf