NOAA Drops Proposed Speed-Limit Rule to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales
After two years of review, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has decided to drop a proposed speed-limit rule intended to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from ship strikes. The rule faced opposition from East Coast seaports, which raised concerns about its impact on commerce and safety.
Cary S. Davis, President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), expressed gratitude for the decision to withdraw the rule, citing concerns about its potential impact on commerce and maritime safety. The AAPA looks forward to supporting the use of precision technology to protect marine life while ensuring the efficient flow of commerce.
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service announced the withdrawal of the proposed rule due to public requests for further review and engagement with the agency. With 90,000 comments received over two years, the agency cited the need for additional time to properly assess the feedback before considering any future proposals.
While the withdrawn rule would have imposed vessel speed restrictions, current NOAA regulations, such as a 10-knot speed limit for vessels over 65 feet in certain management areas, remain in effect. The rules primarily target the North Atlantic right whale, with voluntary measures in place for West Coast ports and exemptions for smaller vessels under 65 feet.
In 2022, NOAA proposed extending speed restrictions to smaller vessels down to 35 feet in length, raising concerns about the impact on industries like offshore wind energy and regional ferry services. The proposed changes aimed to enhance protection for the endangered right whales by expanding speed zones, introducing temporary speed restrictions, and modifying safety protocols for vessel navigation.
Environmental advocates criticized NOAA’s decision to withdraw the proposed changes, highlighting the urgent need to protect the dwindling population of North Atlantic right whales. With less than 360 individuals remaining, including a limited number of breeding females, the species faces a critical threat from human activities like ship strikes. Studies have shown that reducing ship speeds in whale habitats can significantly lower the risk of collisions.
Gib Brogan, a campaigner from Oceana, emphasized the importance of finding a balanced solution that supports marine conservation efforts while sustaining economic activities dependent on the ocean. The recovery of North Atlantic right whales requires collaborative efforts to mitigate threats and ensure the long-term survival of the species.