Decreasing Humpback Whale Activity Allows Glacier Bay NP To Remove 13-Knot Boating Speed Limit Restrictions In Some Areas

The following is courtesy of the National Park Service’s Glacier Bay National Park:

News Release Date: August 20, 2025

BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around Gloomy Knob and Tidal Inlet due a decrease in the number of humpback whales feeding consistently in the area. New temporary whale waters with a 13-knot vessel speed limit are being implemented in and around Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Rocks to protect five or more whales feeding in the area. The 10-knot speed limit around Jaw Point, implemented on August 9^th, will remain in effect. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday August 21^st until further notice.

New whale waters:

• A 13-knot vessel speed limit in all waters within one nautical mile of Hugh Miller Rocks, and within one nautical mile of the unnamed island just south of Blue Mouse Cove, including the waters of Blue Mouse Cove.
• There are no vessel course restrictions in these areas.

In addition, the following whale waters areas remain in effect:

Jaw Point whale waters:

• A 10-knot vessel speed limit within one nautical mile of Jaw Point.
• Note that this area partially overlaps with a 10-knot vessel speed limit zone in Johns Hopkins Inlet from July 1^st to August 31^st annually, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1176.

Lower Bay whale waters:

• A 13-knot vessel speed limit remains in effect since June 28^th in Lower Bay whale waters.
• Vessels over 18 ft in length are required to remain at least one nautical mile from shore or mid-channel.

Speed and course restrictions in whale waters are intended to reduce the disruption of feeding humpback whales and to lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions, as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174. In all Park waters, vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile (0.25 nautical mile) of a humpback whale. If a vessel is accidentally positioned within ¼ mile, the operator must immediately slow the vessel to 10 knots or less and alter course away from the whale until at least ¼ mile separation is established. Vessels should proceed cautiously in all areas where whales may be present.  Whales may surface in unexpected locations, posing a hazard to both the vessel and the whale. Boaters are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio.