The Billfish Foundation (TBF) celebrates the January 15, 2025, announcement of NOAA’s withdrawal of its extreme vessel speed reduction rule aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW). While the species has faced threats since its near extinction in the 1890s and has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970, this rule targeted vessels 35 feet and longer, placing undue restrictions on recreational boating and fishing communities. The withdrawal represents a major victory for these communities and coastal economies.
The proposed rule was widely criticized for its reliance on incomplete data, failure to distinguish between the impacts of large commercial ships and smaller recreational boats, and disregard for advanced technologies that can meet conservation goals without compromising livelihoods, boater safety, or ocean access.
More research is needed to develop constructive, balanced, technology-driven solutions to protect the North Atlantic right whale without undermining the economic vitality of coastal regions or recreational access to the ocean. Promising advancements, such as ropeless, pop-up lobster traps, are underway to address the estimated 50% of NARW deaths caused by entanglement in ropes from the approximately 3 million traps in use. Additionally, NOAA has identified container ships as the primary culprits for vessel strikes, yet extreme speed restrictions have not been sufficiently prioritized for this category of vessels.
It is important to note that current speed restrictions for vessels over 65 feet remain in place. TBF and its partners will remain vigilant, as NOAA could revisit the proposed rule in the future.
