North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

In Defense of Animals, an international nonprofit, opposes the proposed deregulatory changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. They argue that mandatory speed limits are effective at reducing deadly collisions and that replacing them with unproven tracking technologies would prioritize industry convenience over the survival of a critically endangered species.

An individual advocate for marine life expresses concern over potential changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. They argue against replacing mandatory speed restrictions with voluntary guidelines, urging NOAA to maintain the existing 10-knot speed limit to protect the endangered whale population.

The commenter advocates for maintaining the mandatory 10-knot vessel speed limit for ships 65 feet and longer in Seasonal Management Areas. They argue that voluntary measures or technology alone are insufficient to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale from vessel strikes.

The commenter supports the vessel speed rule for North Atlantic right whales, citing scientific evidence that these rules are more effective than voluntary measures or technology alone. They argue that while technology can be a diagnostic aid, it cannot replace enforceable speed restrictions in preventing lethal vessel strikes.