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.

The commenter advocates for maintaining mandatory vessel speed limits to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale population. They argue that voluntary guidelines or new technologies should not replace existing 10-knot restrictions, which they view as essential for preventing vessel strikes.

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