Federal wildlife officials announced Tuesday they are exploring potential changes to current rules designed to shield endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly encounters with ships.
The National Marine Fisheries Service revealed it is examining whether to swap out existing seasonal speed limits for vessels with alternative approaches, including designated whale management zones and technology-driven solutions aimed at preventing fatal collisions.
According to the federal agency, approximately 380 North Atlantic right whales remain in existence. The species faces two primary survival challenges: becoming trapped in fishing equipment and being struck by boats and ships.
NMFS, which operates under the Commerce Department, has opened a 90-day period for the public to submit information and feedback on the potential regulatory changes.
The review comes after the previous Biden administration had proposed strengthening vessel speed limits to better protect the whales, though those stricter rules were never put into effect.
