Aerial, vessel, and acoustic surveillance efforts by the Center for Coastal Studies and the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) have determined that the large aggregation of right whales observed in Cape Cod Bay have now departed. Recent aerial surveys have sighted few right whales and acoustic monitoring buoys are no longer picking up calls. In additions, habitat monitoring revealed a strong decline in the zooplankton resource, suggesting that right whale aggregations are not likely to return in the near future.

With the departure of these animals the Commonwealth is lifting expanded advisory area issued on April 14 to mariners in Cape Cod Bay. MarineFisheries would like to thank fishermen, whale watch companies, and others for their assistance and compliance with measures designed to protect this highly endangered animal. MarineFisheries monitors the presence of right whales in Cape Cod Bay through aerial surveys, habitat sampling, and acoustic monitoring. Sightings observed through these efforts allow MarineFisheries to address threats to right whales on a real-time basis. We greatly appreciate the diligence and alertness of mariners and our surveillance team during the 2008 season.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) issues warnings to mariners and others through the Northern Right Whale Sighting Advisory System (SAS). Advisories regarding Cape Cod Bay and surrounding waters can be viewed at the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Region web site (http://www.nero.noaa.gov/ro/doc/whale.htm) and are broadcast over NOAA weather radio (http:// 205.156.54.206/nwr/).

For more information, visit the MarineFisheries website at http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries or the Center for Coastal Studies at www.coastalstudies.org or contact MarineFisheries’ Erin Burke by phone at (978) 551-0152 or email at Erin.Burke@state.ma.us or CCS’ Dr. Charles (Stormy) Mayo by phone at (508) 487-3623.