The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has withdrawn its proposal to amend vessel speed regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. This decision comes after receiving approximately 90,000 public comments requesting more engagement with the proposed rules.
According to NOAA filings, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) stated that it does not have sufficient time to finalize the regulation due to the volume of public feedback. The proposed rules aimed to reduce the maximum speed limit for commercial and recreational boats of 35 feet or larger to 10 knots in key migratory zones along the East Coast, expanding existing regulations that currently apply only to boats 65 feet or larger.
North Atlantic right whales, listed as endangered since 1970, have seen their population dwindle to fewer than 350 individuals, with fewer than 70 breeding females. The proposal sought to reduce the risk of vessel strikes, a significant threat to these whales, which have been found with injuries consistent with such encounters.
Environmental advocates criticized the withdrawal, calling it a failure of political action. Gib Brogan from Oceana emphasized the urgent need for solutions to protect these whales, stating, “North Atlantic right whales don’t belong on our beaches, and they don’t deserve to die because of political incompetence.”
Despite the withdrawal, NOAA noted that current speed regulations will remain in place, and future actions may still be considered under a different process.