THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit in Queen Inlet and on the eastern side of Lower Bay whale waters will be removed effective October 1, 2026 at 5AM.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting superintendent Joni Seay announced today a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water in Queen Inlet to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water on the eastern side of the Lower Bay designated whale waters, to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. The attached map shows the boundary of the new Whale Waters area. The updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Friday July 17th until further notice.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay announced today that the vessel speed restriction of 13-knots through the water is being removed in Lower Glacier Bay, due to a decrease in the number of humpback whales in the area. In the Lower Bay there is a 20-knot speed limit for all vessels May 15-September 30th annually. The 13-knot speed limit in and around Blue Mouse Cove and Hugh Miller Rocks, implemented on August 21st, will remain in effect. The 10-knot speed limit around Jaw Point, implemented on August 9th, will remain in effect. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Wednesday August 27thth until further notice.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve 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. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday August 21st until further notice.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island. Recent observations reveal that very few humpback whales are feeding consistently in these areas. New 13-knot temporary whale waters are being implemented around Gloomy Knob and Blue Mouse Cove to protect at least 10 whales feeding in the area.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve recently completed a $19 million construction contract funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. The project, a critical part of addressing deferred park maintenance and repair needs, dramatically improved the housing options for the concession employees who support visitor services in Bartlett Cove, including lodging and day tour operations.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, and Blue Mouse Cove. Recent observations reveal that few humpback whales are feeding consistently in this area. New temporary whale waters are being implemented around South Sandy Cove and Garforth Island with a 13-knot speed limit.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit is being removed from Whidbey Passage. In addition, the lower West Arm whale waters area is being replaced by a 13-knot speed limit around Lone Island, Geikie Rock, Hugh Miller Rocks, Blue Mouse Cove, and Jaw Point to protect whales feeding in these specific areas. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Thursday July 17th until further notice.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve officials are asking the public for information on circumstances surrounding an apparent whale-vessel collision that severely injured a humpback whale. 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.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces new whale waters areas in the lower West Arm and Whidbey Passage with a vessel speed limit of 13 knots to protect 25 or more humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. Additionally, in the Lower Bay Whale Waters, a 13-knot speed limit is being implemented due to increasing numbers of humpback whales.
Official NPS source
Effective June 13, 2025, a 13-knot vessel speed limit is being implemented in the eastern portion of Lower Bay whale waters in Glacier Bay.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park announced today that the 13-knot vessel speed limit near Sturgess Island, North Marble Island, South Marble Island, and in the eastern portions of Lower Bay whale waters will be removed effective September 11, 2024 at 5AM, as humpback whales are no longer concentrating in those areas. Lower Bay 20-knot whale waters remain in effect through Sept. 30.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay Acting Deputy Superintendent Joni Seay announced today that modified temporary whale waters are being implemented near the Marble Islands in Glacier Bay.
Official NPS source
Humpback whales thrive in the marine ecosystem of Glacier Bay National Park. Learn more about recent area whale strikes and what actions boaters must take to avoid them.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that modified temporary whale waters are being implemented near the mouth of the East Arm.
Official NPS source
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Tom Schaff announced today that a 13-knot vessel speed limit is being implemented in the eastern portion of Lower Bay whale waters. These updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Friday June 28th until further notice.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is seeking feedback on an Alaska Region Coastal Park Units Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment for five coastal park units, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Glacier Bay). Between June 20 - July 21, 2024 the public is invited to comment on a review document that analyses alternative strategies for managing Glacier Bay to address the risk of wildfire to human communities, developed facilities and infrastructure, and park ecosystems.
Official NPS source