Biden administration withdraws rules to save endangered whales from collisions

The U.S. government has decided to withdraw a proposal that would have required more ships to slow down in East Coast waters in an effort to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. This decision comes at a crucial time as the whale’s population continues to decline, with less than 380 individuals remaining. The move, made in the final days of the Biden administration, has raised concerns among conservation groups who fear that the Trump administration may not prioritize environmental conservation.

The proposed vessel speed rules, which were introduced by the National Marine Fisheries Service over two years ago, aimed to create expanded slow zones and impose speed restrictions on boats and ships of various sizes. However, due to the overwhelming volume of public comments received – approximately 90,000 in total – the fisheries service has stated that there is not enough time to finalize the regulations before the transition to the new administration.

Conservationists have long advocated for stricter ship speed regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale, citing the increasing threat of collisions with vessels. The whales, which migrate between their calving grounds in the South and feeding grounds in the North, are at risk of being struck by ships as they venture into warmer waters outside of protected zones.

Despite the urgency of the situation, some shippers have expressed concerns about the economic impact of implementing these rules on the boating and shipping industries. However, environmental groups argue that the survival of the right whale should take precedence over financial considerations.

The decline in the population of the North Atlantic right whale can be traced back to the commercial whaling era, when their numbers were decimated. Despite being a protected species for many years, the whales have struggled to recover. Recent incidents of documented collision deaths, including a calf with head injuries consistent with a vessel strike, highlight the urgent need for action to prevent further harm to these animals.

While the Trump administration’s stance on environmental conservation remains uncertain, conservation groups are calling for immediate action to protect the North Atlantic right whale from extinction. Vessel strikes have been identified as a leading cause of the species’ decline, underscoring the importance of implementing effective measures to safeguard their future.