NOAA Issues Whale Advisory to Mariners
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasted an advisory concerning populations of endangered whales off the coast of California, stating large numbers of endangered whales are being observed along the coastline.
Voluntary vessel speed reduction zones are currently in effect for the San Francisco and Santa Barbara traffic separation schemes (TSS).
NOAA is asking mariners to help track whales by reporting whale sightings, including date and location, the number of whales, the species (if known) and a description of the animals, via WhaleAlert at whalealert.org or email whales@noaa.gov. NOAA also asked that sightings be reported via VHF radio to other mariners.
Injured, distressed, entangled or dead whale sightings should be reported to (877) SOS-WHALe [767-9425] or U.S. Coast Guard, VHF Channel 16.
