Slowing Ships To Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking comment on the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Ship Strike Reduction Rule. The EIS is one of the final steps in the process to implement a final rule. The ship strike reduction rule aims to reduce the number of endangered North Atlantic right whales injured or killed by collisions with large ships.

The final EIS contains six alternatives, including NOAA’s preferred alternative that would require a vessel speed restriction of 10 knots or less in designated areas along the U.S. East Coast. The preferred alternative also includes a five year sunset provision to allow for further consideration of ongoing scientific research.

Click here for the full article.

Tagged as: Endangered Animals, Fishing, NOAA, Right Whales, Ship Strike Reduction Rule, Whales

• Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean Dolphin Populations Improving
• ‘Critical Habitat’ Areas for Piping Plover Under Review
• Scientists Attempt Disentanglement Of Right Whale Off Florida