Glacier Bay National Park has set a new speed limit for cruise ships entering the West Arm of Glacier Bay. The 13-knot limit is intended to protect a high concentration of humpback whales. According to a statement from park administrators, numerous humpbacks have been observed in the West Arm, and because they can remain submerged for 10 minutes at a time, fast-moving ships might have trouble spotting them.
The limit will be in place until the humpbacks disperse.
The speed limit became effective Saturday, one day before a cruise ship entered Seward’s harbor with a dead whale on its bow.
Glacier Bay frequently sets speed limits to protect whales. The lower portion of the bay near Bartlett Cove has a 20-knot speed limit between May 15 and Sept. 30 annually.
