Temporary ‘slow zone’ implemented off Portland to protect right whales
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 2, 2022
Federal fishing regulators are asking boaters in southern Maine to slow down after scientists detected endangered right whales off Portland. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sent a notice out Friday asking boaters to avoid an area about 68 nautical miles east of Portland or transit through it at 10 knots or less. The “slow zone” is voluntary and runs through Dec. 16. There are only about 340 whales left and their protection is at the heart of multiple lawsuits between federal regulators, environmentalists and Maine’s lobster industry.