North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop
NOAA Fisheries will convene a North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop March 5-7, 2024 in Arlington, VA and virtually. The first two days of the workshop will be open to the public, while the final day will be closed to federal agencies only.
About
Please note the new date and location.
NOAA Fisheries is convening a North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop to explore and promote new technologies to reduce the risk of vessel strikes. We are investigating options to foster the research, development, testing, and operationalization of innovative tools and management practices to offer mariners additional options for reducing lethal collisions with whales.
Vessel traffic along the U.S. East Coast is growing with increasing commercial, industrial (offshore wind), and recreational use. We strive to be on the forefront of vessel strike mitigation. We invite managers, researchers, device manufacturers, whale experts, commercial, recreational and industry representatives, and conservation advocates, and members of the public to attend our workshop. Participants will promote ideas, technological advancements, and mitigation strategies that if operationalized and implemented, have the potential to substantially reduce risk of vessel collisions with right whales. Working collaboratively with mariners, industry, and technology and engineering firms is essential to ensuring the conservation of right whales in these busy waters.
To register for remote attendance at the workshop, please go to our workshop webpage. Due to space constraints, in-person attendance is by invite only and is non-transferable. Please reach out to narw.vesselstrike@noaa.gov if you have further questions. Media interested in the workshop should contact nmfs.pa@noaa.gov.
Information Webinar
An information webinar for the 2024 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop was held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 11-12 ET. The webinar provided an update on workshop planning, including logistics, objectives, scope, and desired products, as well as additional opportunities for engagement prior to the workshop. A recording of the webinar can be found here.