Brian Skerry/NOAA Permit #21371

Protect Right Whales from Speeding Boats and Ships

Collisions with boats and ships are one of the leading causes of death for North Atlantic right whales. A 10-knot speed limit for vessels in high-risk times and places is the only effective, proven method to prevent these tragic losses. So naturally, the Trump administration is planning to “deregulate” the vessel speed rule. Getting rid of this rule would significantly increase the likelihood that boats and ships will kill whales by running over them.

But it’s not too late to protect vulnerable right whales. NOAA is accepting public comment. Can you speak up to safeguard right whales from preventable and deadly boat and ship strikes? All you have to do is click this link and copy the text below into the “comment” section. Bonus points for adding why you love whales! 

I oppose any attempts to get rid of or undermine the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. North Atlantic right whales need more protection, not less. These protections reduce the risk of vessel strikes – a leading cause of death – to right whales by nearly 90 percent. Proposed alternatives, like satellite or acoustic monitoring, aren’t yet viableSpeed limits are the only effective, proven and broadly available tool to prevent dangerous collisions between vessels and endangered whales.” 

These deadly collisions pose an enormous danger to both whales and people. Some boats have sunk after striking a right whale. The whales and boaters navigating our water both deserve better. 

The Trump administration is betting on people not caring enough about endangered whales to speak up. We’re going to prove them wrong. Thank you for speaking up for whales!