PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 15, 2025
Dozens of North Atlantic right whales — more than 15% of the estimated global population — are gathered off Jeffreys Ledge, east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, triggering a slow zone for boaters. Surveyors at the New England Aquarium spotted at least 70 individual whales grouped in a small area on Sunday. Whales were observed in close proximity to “large amount” of fixed fishing gear,” which presents a high risk of entanglement,” the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries said. Mariners are asked to slow to a maximum speed of 10 knots. Following that guidance is voluntary, but knowingly approaching a right whale is illegal. “Boaters are also reminded that approaching a right whale closer than 500 yards is a violation of federal law.”