NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting information…
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting information that could help modernize regulations designed to reduce the risk of lethal vessel strikes with endangered North Atlantic right whales. NOAA is seeking information from industry experts, coastal communities, and other relevant stakeholders on ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens while ensuring responsible conservation practices for endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Through this action, the agency invites public comment to inform potential revisions to the 2008 vessel speed rule. Under existing regulations, most vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less in Seasonal Management Areas along the U.S. East Coast at certain times of the year. Lower vessel speeds are one of the ways to reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death to North Atlantic right whales in the event of a vessel collision.
NOAA continues to focus on developing new technologies, engineering approaches, and other advanced tools to reduce the risk of vessel strikes with endangered North Atlantic right whales. Technology has the potential to provide transformational tools to prevent species extinction while allowing marine industries, including fisheries, boating, and shipping, to continue to flourish.
The public is encouraged to submit comments via the Federal Register during the comment period through June 2, 2026.
