Controversy Erupts as US Ocean Regulator Alters Right Whale Protection Measures

PORTLAND, Maine – In a move that has sparked disapproval among environmentalists, the U.S. ocean regulatory body is preparing to revise a significant rule aimed at safeguarding endangered whales, following the recent loss of one such whale.

The existing regulations are crucial for the protection of the North Atlantic right whale, a species with fewer than 400 individuals remaining, inhabiting the waters off the East Coast. These majestic creatures are currently shielded by a rule mandating slow speeds for large vessels during certain periods to minimize the risk of collisions, a primary threat to their survival.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed in a statement on Thursday to The Associated Press that it is on the verge of unveiling proposed updates intended to “modernize” current whale protection measures. According to the statement, the proposed changes will aim to alleviate “unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens” while maintaining effective conservation efforts for the endangered North Atlantic right whales.

While the U.S. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has noted an impending rulemaking announcement regarding these whale protections, specifics about the proposal are still under wraps. NOAA emphasized its commitment to unveiling detailed plans soon, focusing on leveraging “new technologies, engineering approaches, and other advanced tools” to ensure the whales’ safety.

Environmental advocates have voiced their opposition to the shift from the existing vessel speed regulations, especially in light of the confirmed death of a young female whale, aged three, off the coast of Virginia on February 10. The exact cause of death remains unknown, but the whale passed away significantly earlier than typical for the species.

“Another female right whale — the future of this species — has lost her life. We urgently need more right whale protections, not fewer. The Trump administration’s apparent determination to weaken the vessel speed rule could not come at a worse time,” said Jane Davenport, senior attorney at conservation group Defenders of Wildlife.

Right whales migrate every year from calving grounds off Florida and Georgia to feeding grounds off New England and Canada. Along the way, they are vulnerable to collisions with ships and entanglement in commercial fishing gear. They were once numerous off the East Coast but were decimated during the commercial whaling era and have been federally protected for decades.

The Biden administration planned to expand slow zones off the East Coast to protect the whales. It also planned to expand the classes of boats required to slow down. However, the federal government withdrew the proposal in the final days of the administration, with officials saying it didn’t have time to finalize the regulations due to the scope and volume of public comments.

Some shipping businesses and other marine industries have long pushed back at vessel speed rules. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has described speed restrictions as “archaic” and advocated for solutions that rely on technology.