OCEAN CITY, Md.- NOAA Fisheries has announced the extension of a voluntary right whale Slow Zone, triggered by acoustic signals. The decision came after the Ocean City buoy, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, Maryland, on December 24, 2023. This Slow Zone will remain in effect through January 8, 2023.
As a reminder, another Slow Zone is currently in effect, with specific locations and effective dates provided below.
**VOLUNTARY Right Whale "Slow Zone" AREAS**
Mariners are kindly urged to either avoid or transit at speeds of 10 knots or less within areas where persistent aggregations of right whales have been identified. For additional details, please refer to the NOAA Fisheries website.
**East of Ocean City, MD Acoustic Slow Zone: December 24-January 8, 2023**
**Waters bounded by:**
- NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38' N
- SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58' N
- EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13' W
- WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04' W
Ensuring the safety and well-being of these majestic marine creatures remains a priority, and mariners are encouraged to stay informed and comply with the Slow Zone advisories. For the latest updates and additional information, please visit the NOAA Fisheries website.