New Right Whale Slow Zone South of Ocean City
Image courtesy NOAA
A new right whale slow zone went into effect on December 18th after the Azura mid-Atlantic aerial survey team detected the presence of right whales south of Ocean City. The slow zone is now in effect through January 2nd, 2026. There are two other slow zones in effect east of Ocean City – through the end of December.
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.
South of Ocean City, MD Slow Zone: Effective December 18, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Waters bounded by:
Northern Boundary: 37°56′ N
Southern Boundary: 37°26′ N
Eastern Boundary: 74°54′ W
Western Boundary: 75°32’ W
East of Ocean City No. 2, MD Slow Zone: Effective December 16 – 31, 2025
Waters bounded by:
Northern Boundary: 38°34′ N
Southern Boundary: 38°04′ N
Eastern Boundary: 74°23′ W
Western Boundary: 75°02’ W
East of Ocean City No. 1, MD Slow Zone: Effective December 15 – 30, 2025
Waters bounded by:
Northern Boundary: 38°34′ N
Southern Boundary: 38°03′ N
Eastern Boundary: 74°19′ W
Western Boundary: 74°58’ W