Atlantic Maritime Academy

When you think of whales, the northeast doesn’t come to mind, like it did in the days of the Nantucket and Sag Harbor whalers.  But conservation has had an effect and the right whales (they were the “right ones” to hunt) are coming back.  So we must be careful.  This column is about that.

Reducing “Ship Strikes”
NOAA recently sent out a reminder on the “Ship Strike Compliance Rule” (50 CFR 224.105) on what lats/lons all ships in excess of 65’ must comply with in order to reduce running into right whales – slow to 10 knots or less.

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.

Well, with the calving areas now being up and down the east coast, shouldn’t all mariners be careful?  Obviously, yes.

Vessels may operate at a speed greater than 10 knots only if necessary to maintain a safe maneuvering speed in an area where conditions severely restrict vessel maneuverability as determined by the pilot or master.

If a deviation from the 10 knot speed restriction is necessary, the captain must record all the relevant information and enter it into the logbook.

Calving Grounds
Yes, big whales making baby whales – right along the eastern seaboard and then heading north to their feeding areas off Cape Cod and related areas.  That migration period runs from November 1st to April 30^th.

Note that two major blocks of water are right here in our greater New York area:
• Block Island Sound waters bounded by:

40º51'53.7" N 070º36'44.9" W
41º20'14.1" N 070º49'44.1" W
41º04'16.7" N 071º51'21.0" W
40º35'56.5" N 071º38'25.1" W

then back to starting point.

• Ports of New York/New Jersey:

40º29'42.2"N 073º55'57.6"W

So, watch out for God’s great leviathans as we collectively restore them to their “right”ful place in their maritime domains.