North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop

NOAA Fisheries convened 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, and recreational use. We strive to be on the forefront of vessel strike mitigation. We invited managers, researchers, device manufacturers, whale experts, commercial, recreational and industry representatives, and conservation advocates, and members of the public to attend our workshop. Participants discussed 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.