PRESS RELEASE

Formal withdrawal of the much-needed vessel speed rule is a serious setback for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale

New England Aquarium responds to NOAA’s withdrawal of proposed update

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NOAA determined that right whale mother Catalog #1950, who was found dead off the Virginia coast in March 2024, died from a vessel strike.
NOAA determined that right whale mother Catalog #1950, who was found dead off the Virginia coast in March 2024, died from a vessel strike. CREDIT: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #24359

BOSTON, MASS. (Jan. 15, 2025) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has withdrawn a proposed and much-needed vessel speed regulation designed to better protect the North Atlantic right whale, which is a serious setback for the recovery of this critically endangered species that is facing extinction.

The modifications to the existing vessel speed rule were proposed more than two years ago. Since then, there have been at least four deaths and five injuries due to vessel strikes in U.S. waters, exacerbating the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event since 2017.

Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death and injury for North Atlantic right whales, and scientific research shows that we can protect them using speed restrictions. The situation is dire for this species. There are around 370 individuals remaining in the population and only approximately 70 breeding females.

“Failing to implement stronger vessel strike protection measures puts these animals at further risk of extinction. To survive, right whales require immediate, decisive, and effective solutions to protect individuals from preventable deaths,” said Dr. Jessica Redfern, Associate Vice President of Ocean Conservation Science in the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.

Scientists in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium have done extensive research to evaluate risk reduction strategies, determine the frequency and location of right whale vessel strikes, identify the type and size of the vessels involved, and assess the impacts vessel strike injuries have on the health of this species at the individual and population levels.

North Atlantic right whale "Lucky" pictured lower right, seen on Jan. 1, 2005, off Florida with large cuts on the left side of her body.
North Atlantic right whale "Lucky" pictured lower right, seen on Jan. 1, 2005, off Florida with large cuts on the left side of her body. CREDIT: New England Aquarium, taken under NOAA permit #655-1652-01

The New England Aquarium has one of the longest-running North Atlantic right whale research programs in the world, studying these animals for more than 40 years. Our scientists will continue to conduct solutions-based research, collaborate with fishermen on new techniques to reduce deadly entanglements in fishing gear, conduct analyses to assess risk from vessels, facilitate communication across the maritime industry to reduce vessel strikes, and work with lawmakers locally, nationally, and internationally to develop science-based protections for the whales.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—617-686-5068; psnyder@neaq.org