New federal actions may be coming to help protect the North Atlantic Right Whale.
These critically endangered whales swim in some of the most congested waters along the eastern seaboard, where vessel strikes have become frequent and dangerous. Conservation groups have formally requested that federal agencies impose a November 1st deadline to enact long-awaited protections from large speeding vessels. And, they are asking to expand speed restrictions to include smaller vessels as well.
If implemented, these rules would create new seasonal speed zones in certain areas, during periods when right whales are most vulnerable to vessel collisions. Vessels 35 feet or longer would be required to adhere to a speed limit of 10 nautical miles per hour.
Speed restrictions prevent deadly collisions. Vessel strikes are one of the leading causes of death for these whales, and with only around 350 individuals left, every reasonable precaution should be taken. Speed limits give whales and ships more time to get out of each other's way.
Calves will have a better chance of surviving to maturity. There are only about 70 females of reproductive age left in the right whale population, so each mother and calf pair are critically important to the survival of the species.
Slower speeds increase reaction time. Right whales are notoriously difficult to see, with dark gray bodies, no dorsal fin, and much of their swimming done just below the surface of the water. Reduced speeds through their habitats increase the chances of vessel operators detecting and avoiding them in time.
High-speed vessel traffic can disturb whale behavior. Whales may alter their feeding patterns or avoid important habitats due to the presence of large, fast-moving vessels. Speed restrictions help minimize these disturbances, allowing whales to continue their natural behaviors unencumbered.
Every individual right whale is extremely valuable for the survival of the species when their population is this critically low. Especially during periods of migrating, calving, and nursing young whales, it’s critical that right whales can do so safely. Protecting each whale from preventable and avoidable threats like vessel collisions will increase their numbers and ensure their long-term survival. It’s time to get it done!
We’ll keep you updated,
Rob
