Boating Restrictions Imposed After Endangered Whales Spotted Off Maryland Coast

North Atlantic right whales detected near Ocean City, prompting caution for vessels to avoid collisions

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland earlier this week, prompting officials to issue warnings to residents and boaters to be cautious when traveling through the area. The Maryland Fishing and Boating Services is now advising caution due to the heightened risk of vessel strikes, which represent a major threat to the species.

Why it matters

North Atlantic right whales are one of the rarest whale species in the world, having been hunted to near-extinction in the late 19th century. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the primary threats facing the species today, with about 86% of whales becoming entangled at least once in their lifetime. Protecting these endangered whales is crucial to their survival.

The details

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the whales were detected east of Ocean City. NOAA has implemented vessel seasonal management plans in several states along the East Coast to reduce the likelihood of collisions, requiring vessels 65 feet or longer to travel at 10 knots or less in designated areas during certain times of year. The Ocean City slow zone is currently in effect through March 23, and boaters are encouraged to avoid the area or reduce speeds to 10 knots or fewer.

  • The whales were detected off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland earlier this week.
  • The Ocean City slow zone is currently in effect through March 23.

The players

Maryland Fishing and Boating Services

The state agency that is warning residents and boaters to be cautious when traveling through the area where the endangered whales were spotted.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The federal agency that has implemented vessel seasonal management plans in several states along the East Coast to reduce the likelihood of collisions between boats and endangered North Atlantic right whales.

North Atlantic right whales

One of the rarest whale species in the world, having been hunted to near-extinction in the late 19th century. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the primary threats facing the species today.

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What’s next

The Ocean City slow zone is currently in effect through March 23, and boaters are encouraged to avoid the area or reduce speeds to 10 knots or fewer during this time period.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale population, which faces significant threats from vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. By implementing seasonal management plans and slow zones, officials hope to reduce the likelihood of collisions and give these rare whales a better chance at survival.