UPDATED: Right Whale Slow Zone off Ocean City Extended Through Nov 20
Image courtesy NOAA
UPDATED – 11/07/25 – On November 5, 2025, the Ocean City buoy operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science re-detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, Maryland. The right whale Slow Zone is in effect through November 20, 2025.
As a reminder, one additional Slow Zone is currently in effect. Location and effective date are shown in the image below.
VOLUNTARY Right Whale “Slow Zone” AREAS
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected. Please visit the NOAA Fisheries website for more information.
East of Ocean City, MD Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective November 5 – November 20, 2025
Waters bounded by:
- NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38′ N
- SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58′ N
- EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13′ W
- WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04′ W
ORIGINAL STORY – 10/28/25 – On October 26, 2025, the Ocean City buoy operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, Maryland. The right whale Slow Zone is in effect through November 10, 2025.
As a reminder, one additional Slow Zone is also currently in effect. Locations and effective dates are listed below.
VOLUNTARY Right Whale “Slow Zone” AREAS
Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Acoustic Slow Zones where right whales have been detected. Please visit the NOAA Fisheries website for more information.
East of Ocean City, MD Acoustic Slow Zone: Effective October 26 – November 10, 2025
Waters bounded by:
NORTHERN BOUNDARY: 38°38′ N
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: 37°58′ N
EASTERN BOUNDARY: 74°13′ W
WESTERN BOUNDARY: 75°04′ W