← American Clean Power Association
NOAARulemakingNOAA-NMFS-2022-0022

Amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

RIN
—
Last modified
May 7, 2025
Comment window
closed 1366d ago
American Clean Power Association filings
2

Activity

American Clean Power Association filed 2 comments on this docket between Aug 31, 2022 and Nov 25, 2022. 109 other organizations filed here. The comment window closed 1366d ago.

What American Clean Power Association filed (2)

Nov 25, 2022· Comment from American Clean Power Association· NOAA-NMFS-2022-0022-21043

Filed on regulations.gov — full text not in the inline record.

View on regulations.gov →
Aug 31, 2022· Comment from American Clean Power Association· NOAA-NMFS-2022-0022-1193

Filed on regulations.gov — full text not in the inline record.

View on regulations.gov →

Abstract

NMFS is proposing changes to the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) vessel speed rule to further reduce the likelihood of mortalities and serious injuries to endangered right whales from vessel collisions, which are a leading cause of the species’ decline and a primary factor in an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event. The proposed rule would: 1) modify the spatial and temporal boundaries of current speed restriction areas referred to as Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), 2) include most vessels greater than or equal to 35 ft (10.7 m) and less than 65 ft (19.8 m) in length in the size class subject to speed restriction, 3) create a Dynamic Speed Zone framework to implement mandatory speed restrictions when whales are known to be present outside active SMAs, and 4) update the speed rule’s safety deviation provision. Changes to the speed regulations are proposed to reduce vessel strike risk based on a coastwide collision mortality risk assessment and updated information on right whale distribution, vessel traffic patterns, and vessel strike mortality and serious injury events. Changes to the existing vessel speed regulation are essential to stabilize the ongoing right whale population decline and prevent the species’ extinction.

View on regulations.gov →

Co-filers (109)

See everyone who commented →