NOAA plans to propose changes to the long-standing vessel speed rule designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, a move critics say would weaken protections amid ongoing whale deaths.

The rulemaking aims to “modernize” protections by enabling new technologies and engineering approaches, though specific details have not yet been released publicly.

Historically, the Biden administration pursued broader slow zones and more vessels required to slow down, but those efforts were withdrawn late in the Trump era amid feasibility concerns and public comments.

A NOAA spokesperson stressed balancing responsible conservation with reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens during the revision process.

NOAA Fisheries will seek input from industry experts, coastal communities, and other stakeholders as part of the deregulatory-focused action.

The rulemaking is being watched as the administration seeks to balance endangered species protection with regulatory relief for maritime industries.

NOAA Fisheries submitted to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs plans to revise the existing rule, initiating an advance notice of proposed rulemaking after OIRA approval.

The article notes ongoing debates over balancing industry interests with endangered species protections, and references prior attempts to expand slow zones and broaden vessel classes subject to speed limits that were withdrawn.

Industry groups, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association, oppose vessel speed rules and describe them as archaic, pushing for technology-based solutions instead of blanket speed limits.

Industry stakeholders argue for technology-driven approaches rather than broad vessel-speed mandates.

NMMA and other industry players advocate that speed restrictions are archaic and should be replaced by technology-based alternatives.