Update (9/15/22) - The public comment deadline has been extended to October 31, 2022.
NOAA Fisheries has announced a proposed rule to modify North Atlantic right whale vessel speed regulations. The Federal Register Notice for this action is available at the Federal Register webpage. Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted by October 31, 2022 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Enter NOAA-NMFS-2022-0022 in the search box to comment on the proposed rule.
North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction with fewer than 350 individuals and fewer than 100 reproductively active females remaining. Collisions with vessels are contributing to the species' continued decline and changes to federal vessel speed regulations are needed to further reduce the likelihood of right whale deaths and serious injuries that result from collisions with vessels. The proposed changes would expand mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in designated areas of the ocean to include most vessels 35-65 feet in length and broaden the spatial boundaries and timing of the seasonal speed restriction areas along the U.S. East Coast. The proposed rule would not apply to vessels under 35 feet in length.
For more information on the proposed rule’s specific measures please visit the Atlantic Right Whale Speed Rule Resource Page.