The National Marine Fisheries Service recently
released a
strong proposed rule to protect North Atlantic right whales from vessel strikes that would:
- Expand
seasonal protection areas for whales
- Require most vessels greater
than or equal to 35 feet in length to transit protection areas at less than 10 knots
- Set out a new framework for mandatory,
adaptive protection areas for whales, among other changes.
Please consider signing onto the attached letter
in support of this strong rule by filling out the below-linked Google Form by Tuesday, 10/25 COB.
As you may know, the reduction in risk to NARWs from this rule is absolutely vital to preventing the extinction of this iconic
species. Support of NARW protections is particularly important in light of some pushback to the National Marine Fisheries Service about this rule. Let me know if you have any questions or urgent edits and, per usual,
apologies for any cross-posting.