NOAA Withdraws Proposed Vessel Speed Rule:
A Win for Coastal Communities and Conservation

In 2022, the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule was proposed by NOAA Fisheries. This proposed rule would have limited all vessels over 35 feet in length to speeds under 10 knots across nearly the entire US eastern seaboard, severely impacting coastal economies and boater safety while doing very little to actually protect the critically endangered species of right whale.  After years of advocating for better, more advanced methods of monitoring and management of right whales, the IGFA is pleased to announce that yesterday, NOAA Fisheries withdrew the proposal.

“A plethora of better technologies are available today that should be utilized to protect right whales without negatively impacting fishing, boating, and shipping,” said Jason Schratwieser, President of the International Game Fish Association. “The IGFA and our partners have fought hard to protect our coastal economies, and we are committed to working with the next administration on better ways to ensure right whale populations recover.”