Cape Cod is famous for its right whales that migrate to Cape Cod Bay late winter and early spring where they feed on zooplankton. The Commonwealth’s Division of Marine Fisheries has expanded its January 1 – May 15 Seasonal Gillnet Closure to Protect Right Whales in Cape Cod Bay to throughout all Massachusetts state waters. This extended closure is effective for this calendar year.
This closure is designed to lessen the risk of a right whale becoming entangled in this fixed gear when they seasonally aggregate in and migrate through our waters. Of particular concern is the potential co-occurrence of gillnet gear and right whales in Massachusetts Bay and off Cape Ann during April and early May. In recent years, right whale sightings data show right whales are increasingly using these waters during this time.
Perhaps whale watchers and others may have a Moby Dick-like encounter this spring. If so, move away! These whales are protected by buffer zones to reduce collisions and injuries to the whales.
Deacon David Pierce
Comments
Post a Comment
Please THINK before you write!