Endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted off the coast of\u00a0Ocean City, Maryland,\u00a0earlier this week, prompting an important reminder from officials.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0whales\u00a0were detected east of the beach town.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Maryland\u00a0Fishing and Boating Services\u00a0is now warning residents and boaters to be cautious when traveling through the area.<\/p>\n
According to\u00a0the\u00a0National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u00a0Fisheries<\/a>\u00a0(NOAA), North Atlantic right whales are at a heightened risk of vessel strikes since they spend much of their time close to the water\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n NOAA says vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement represent the primary threats to the species, with about 86% of the\u00a0whales\u00a0becoming entangled at least once during their lifetime.<\/p>\n Right whales can also be difficult to spot<\/a> from boats due to their dark-colored skin and lack of a dorsal fin. Environmental conditions such as bad weather, rough seas, murky\u00a0water, and low light can further reduce a boater\u2019s ability to see the whales.<\/p>\n To help prevent injuries and deaths<\/a>, NOAA has implemented vessel seasonal management plans in several states along the East Coast to reduce the likelihood of collisions with these animals.<\/p>\n These collisions can lead to serious injury or death.<\/p>\n Endangered North Atlantic right whales were spotted off the coast of\u00a0Ocean City, Maryland,\u00a0earlier this week, prompting an important reminder from officials. Boston Globe via Getty Images<\/p>\n During these periods, vessels measuring 65 feet or longer must\u00a0travel\u00a0at speeds of 10 knots or fewer in designated areas.<\/p>\n Each region has different timeframes when the plan is in effect. <\/p>\n For example, the\u00a0Cape Cod Bay\u00a0and\u00a0Mid-Atlantic\u00a0seasonal management areas run from Jan. 1 through May 15, while the\u00a0Southeast\u00a0region is in effect from Nov. 15 through April 15.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Maryland\u00a0Fishing and Boating Services\u00a0is now warning residents and boaters to be cautious when traveling through the area. Boston Globe via Getty Images<\/p>\n