MAINE PUBLIC • September 28, 2023
A coalition of conservation groups is again calling on federal regulators to approve new rules aimed at protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes. NOAA has proposed a rule that would reduce ship speeds and expand the areas where those speed limits apply. But the rule hasn't been finalized and implemented. Regina Asmutis-Silvia of Whale and Dolphin Conservation says the federal government should set new speed limits by Nov. 15, when right whales migrate to the Southeastern coast to give birth. Environmental groups sent a similar emergency petition to NOAA last year to finalize vessel strike rules, but it was denied.