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Apr 15, 2008 6:34 pm US/Eastern
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Feeding Whales Prompt Marine Warning Off Cape
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boaters are being asked to take extra precautions while navigating the waters off Cape Cod. According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, there is an "unusual amount" of right whales in the water feeding.
Officials say Cape Cod Bay should be considered a high risk because of these endangered whales.
"They're feeding on dense concentrations of copepods, which is their primary forage, and they come into Cape Cod Bay during the spring," said Dan McKiernan with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. "This is their peak season right now."
Marine experts say there are about 75 right whales in Cape Cod Bay right now – that's out of an entire Atlantic population of about 400.
Marine experts said about 35 to 50 whales are usually spotted. WBZ's helicopter captured images of the whales Tuesday afternoon.
(Watch the video.) "It's right outside of our front door. You can go to the beach and watch whales," said Provincetown harbormaster Rex McKinsey. "In fact, we were watching from the office the other day and they were inside the harbor. We could see them. It's definitely good for tourism."
Boaters are urged to reduce speeds, post lookouts and proceed with caution. According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, state law prohibits ships from approaching within 500 yards of a right whale – that includes setting up or hauling gear.
Officials say the influx of whales is due to the dense bloom of zooplankton in Cape Cod Bay.
The Division of Marine Fisheries predicts the high risk will be in effect for the next week. The greatest risk of collision is east of Manomet and Race Point, Provincetown.
According to the Right Whale Sighting Advisory System, one-third of whale deaths are a result of "human activities," such as ship strikes and gear entanglements.
When the right whales leave the area, the advisory will be lifted.
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