Real-Time Notifications Help Right Whales

February 26, 2024

whale breaching the surface of the water — The North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species of baleen whale. Photo: Liam Waters/NMFS Permit No. 27272-01

On January 30, 2024, staff at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Maritime Information Systems, Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard successfully transmitted a text message using the Automated Identification System (AIS) directly to the bridge of a large tanker ship notifying the vessel that it exceeded the speed limit within the Cape Cod Bay NOAA Right Whale Seasonal Management Area. Most vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in certain locations (called seasonal management areas) along the U.S. East Coast at certain times of the year. This mandatory regulation reduces the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with vessels.

map displying various locations of ships on the water in cape cod — AIS web-based display showing a tanker speed in excess of 10 knots in NOAA Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area. Photo: Maritime Information Systems, Inc.

AIS diplay screen — AIS display on RV *Auk* while testing the new messaging system. Photo: David Slocum

The short text message ("MAX SPEED 10 KNOTS PER 50CFR224.105-31") was displayed on the screen of the AIS receiver and charting system display of the vessel. The team received an acknowledgement message from the vessel, certifying that the speed limit message was successfully received by someone aboard the vessel. This feature is also planned to be used to transmit near-real time North Atlantic right whale sighting data and/or NARW management rules displayed on Whale Alert to vessels with AIS capability, and eventually could be utilized more broadly along the East Coast.

This effort, combined with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's North Atlantic Right Whale Corporate Responsibility Program, provides a valuable feedback loop to mariners, resulting in the highest compliance rates in the country for seasonal management areas.