The MBTA has temporarily adjusted its Lynn ferry service schedule due to the presence of right whales in Broad Sound, causing delays and cancellations. Vessels will operate at reduced speeds until April 29 to protect the whales. This change is in compliance with NOAA’s guidance to reduce speeds in the newly implemented right whale “Dynamic Management Area.” The MBTA and Boston Harbor City Cruises are implementing these changes out of caution and environmental responsibility. The schedule for the Lynn ferry route has been altered, with trips now taking about 90 minutes instead of the usual 40 minutes. Inbound trips from Lynn will depart at 7:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., with outbound trips from Boston departing at 5:45 p.m. The MBTA will provide further updates as needed based on NOAA monitoring. The goal is to reduce the risk of right whales being struck by fast-moving vessels, as boat collisions are the leading cause of death for these endangered animals. Recent sightings of right whales off the Massachusetts coast include a mother and calf in Cape Cod Bay and a five-year-old male whale entangled in fishing gear since December 2024. The Center for Coastal Studies’ Marine Animal Entanglement Response team worked to remove some of the gear, but further attempts were unsuccessful. This entanglement could be lethal for the whale, posing a significant challenge for the rescue team.
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