Repost message from Viking Yachts July 26, 2024: An abnormally high number of North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) have been spotted in and around the Northeast canyons from the Hudson up to Block canyons. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has used airplane surveillance and other assets to identify the whales and believes they are present due to a high level of food in these areas. 

We are advising mariners to be particularly vigilant while operating in these waters. If whale(s) are seen, mariners are asked to provide a wide berth. For the latest information about the location of the whales, visit whalemap.org.

Viking hopes that by sharing this information, we can help protect the whales and increase navigational safety. The effort also shows how communication and technology, in this case, the use of airplane surveillance, can be used to track whales and decrease the risk of vessel strikes. We strongly support the use of technology – rather than speed restrictions – to protect marine mammals and improve mariner safety.   

NOAA realizes this is the height of offshore pelagic fishing in the Northeast and MidAtlantic, with many tournaments planned, and therefore wants to raise awareness about this unusually high number of NARW.

NOAA is posting information on its Instagram and Facebook, and the U.S. Coast Guard is including the information in its Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs) on channel 16. NOAA information designates two 15nm x 15nm square voluntary slow zones in which the whales have been spotted. Viking is not endorsing these slow zones. However, we do want to make owners and captains aware of these whales for safety reasons. NOAA (which plans to conduct weekly aerial surveys for the next seven weeks) will keep boaters informed through its social media and other outlets. Right whale sightings from Maine to Virginia can be reported to (866) 755-6622 or to the Coast Guard via channel 16.