Amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

NOAA Fisheries has announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking considering possible deregulatory action to modify the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. The goal of this initiative is to reduce unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens on the regulated community by replacing current seasonal speed restrictions with alternative management areas and advanced, technology-based, strike-avoidance measures that maintain or enhance conservation efficacy for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The agency intends to craft durable programs that consider both conservation and the economic vitality of coastal communities. To this end, we are specifically seeking information concerning the following topics:

• The Effectiveness of Technologies to Reduce Vessel Strikes with Whales

• Vessel-size Specific Risk Assessment
• Alternative Management Areas
• Safety Deviation Provision Improvements
• Efficacy of the Speed Rule
• Economic Impacts on Industry
• Outreach

Below are links to a history of vessel speed regulations and relevant supporting documents.