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Humpback Whales Congregating At Glacier Bay National Park

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By NPT Staff - June 28th, 2021

Humpback whales are gathering in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to feed/NPS file

A congregation of humpback whales that gathered in Glacier Bay has prompted national park officials there to require ships to slow down in certain parts of the 65-mile-long bay.

The temporary "whale waters area" in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska affected by the order are in the nearshore waters in the lower East Arm and lower West Arm, where more than 30 humpback whales have gathered to feed. At least four cow/calf pairs frequenting the area are vulnerable to disturbance and collision. This notice implements a 13-knot speed restriction that goes into effect beginning at 5:00AM Saturday, June 26, 2021. The newly designated whale waters areas are defined as follows:

A 13-knot speed restriction for all vessels is in place for the Lower East Arm and Lower West Arm in the following areas:

  • Within one nautical mile of Garforth Island.

  • Within one nautical mile of shoreline between Caroline Shoal and the northern extent of Gloomy Knob, including Sebree Island, but not including Tidal Inlet.

  • Within one nautical mile of the un-named island just south of Blue Mouse Cove.

Lower Bay: Current whale waters also include lower Glacier Bay. Annually from May 15 – September 30, a 20-knot speed and mid-channel course restriction are in effect in the Lower Bay. This area includes all waters between the mouth of Glacier Bay and a line drawn between the northern tip of Strawberry Island and the northern tip of Lars Island. This boundary is shown on NOAA nautical charts of Glacier Bay.

Note that there are also smaller concentrations of whales elsewhere in Glacier Bay. It is important for vessel operators to keep a sharp lookout and reduce speed when necessary. Vessels are prohibited from operating within a quarter-nautical-mile of a humpback whale in park waters, and are required to reduce speed if they find themselves within a quarter-nautical-mile of a whale.

Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce whale disturbance and lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174. Mariners are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by calling (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.

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