PROVINCETOWN (CBS) – A handful of rare North Atlantic right whales have been spotted recently off the coast of Massachusetts.

The NOAA confirmed multiple sightings off Provincetown and Nantucket within the past couple of weeks.

In response, officials have asked boaters to observe a voluntary vessel speed reduction zone until March 1 in order to prevent ship strikes.

File (PCCS Image, NOAA Permit #14603)

Right whales typically feed off the Massachusetts coast between January and May.

There are believed to be only about 400 North Atlantic right whales in existence.