NPS - National Park Service

08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 16:08

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 16, 2024

News Release Date:
August 26, 2024

Contact:Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA - Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Deputy Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot speed limit near Sebree Island, Garforth Island, and Muir Point are being removed, as whales are no longer consistently using those areas. The temporary whale waters area near Sturgess Island will remain in place, and an additional whale waters area is being implemented near the Marble Islands. All vessels in these temporary whale waters are required to travel at a speed no greater than 13 knots through the water. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Tuesday August 27th until further notice.

New temporary whale waters:

A 13-knot vessel speed limit applies in waters within one nautical mile of the shores of North Marble and South Marble Islands.

Continuing temporary whale waters implemented on July 16, 2024:

A 13-knot vessel speed limit applies in waters within one nautical mile of the shore of Sturgess Island.Lower Bay whale waters remain the same as implemented June 28, 2024:

  • East Side only, as shown on map: A 13-knot vessel speed limit within 1 nautical mile of shore of Lester and Young Islands, including Bartlett Cove and Beardslee Entrance, and extending down the mainland to Point Gustavus.

  • The rest of Lower Bay whale waters will retain a 20-knot vessel speed limit.

  • In all Lower Bay whale waters, vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least 1 nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.

Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174. Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present. Boaters are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.