NOAA Proposal to Weaken Vessel Speed Regulation Would Be Catastrophic to North Atlantic Right Whales

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it is considering “deregulatory action” to undo federal vessel-speed protections that protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. These protections reduce deadly ship strikes from large commercial ships, which is one of the primary drivers of mortality in this iconic American species. The administration’s action threatens to undermine a proven, science-based safeguard that has been in place for almost two decades.

Following is reaction from Francine Kershaw, Senior Scientist at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“Weakening the vessel speed rule will put North Atlantic right whales back on the fast track to extinction. This rule is simple: When and where right whales are most at risk, big ships must slow down. 

“The 10-knot limit works. It meaningfully lowers the odds that a collision turns deadly, and it’s widely recognized as a best practice for protecting whales by scientists and the shipping industry. In contrast, there’s no proof that other technology can deliver the same level of protection as slowing vessels down. It’s reckless to gamble with the future of one of our nation’s most endangered species.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).