LYNN — The MBTA has temporarily modified Lynn Ferry service through at least April 29 to protect North Atlantic right whales recently spotted in Broad Sound, a primary route between Lynn and Boston.
The changes follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designation of a Right Whale Dynamic Management Area, which advises vessels to reduce speeds to 10 knots to avoid fatal strikes. Although the slowdown is voluntary, the MBTA and Boston Harbor City Cruises say they are fully complying out of “an abundance of caution and environmental responsibility.”
The result is longer travel times — about 90 minutes instead of the usual 40 — and a reduced schedule affecting only the Lynn Ferry route. All other MBTA ferry services remain unchanged.
For Wednesday, April 16, only one trip will operate: a 5:45 p.m. ferry departing from Long Wharf (North) to Lynn, expected to arrive roughly 40 minutes later than usual.
Beginning Thursday, April 17, the revised schedule includes:
Inbound from Lynn:
• 7:30 a.m. departure, arriving in Boston at 8:55 a.m.
• 10:45 a.m. departure, arriving at 12:15 p.m.
Outbound from Boston:
• 5:45 p.m. departure, arriving in Lynn at 7:15 p.m.
The MBTA will continue to monitor NOAA advisories and make adjustments as necessary.
The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, with fewer than 360 individuals alive today and fewer than 70 breeding females. Once hunted to near-extinction, the whales now face threats from vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. Their migration routes run along the East Coast, from New England feeding grounds to southern calving waters off Georgia and Florida.
According to NOAA, vessel speed reductions are one of the most effective ways to prevent deadly collisions. Right whales often travel slowly and close to the surface, making them difficult to detect in time without enforced slowdowns.
The species is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Federal officials warn that human action—or inaction — will determine whether the species survives.
More information and updates are available at mbta.com/alerts. Marine mammal sightings can be reported to the NOAA stranding hotline at 866-755-6622.
