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Save Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales from Extinction!

Dear John,

According to data from the National Marine Fisheries Service, vessel strikes remain one of the leading threats pushing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales toward extinction.

Fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales are estimated to remain, with fewer than 70 reproductively active females. In such a tiny population, each reproductively active female and calf is vital to the species' recovery and long-term survival.

Federal speed restrictions exist to prevent vessel strikes in areas occupied by right whales. Unfortunately, those restrictions apply only to vessels 65 feet in length or greater, while smaller vessels continue to strike and severely injure or kill whales.

In January 2021, NMFS began taking steps to amend the regulations to extend the safety zones and apply the speed restrictions in right whales waters to vessels under 65 feet; however, some industry stakeholders and members of Congress are using misinformation and legislative measures to delay or defeat the proposal.

In November 2023, just as the North Atlantic right whale calving season began, NMFS announced further delays to the updated regulations. The agency knows better than anyone that the population is on the brink and that North Atlantic right whale protection cannot wait. NMFS must issue its final vessel speed rule now.

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What You Can Do
Use AWI's Action Center to contact NMFS and Biden administration officials and urge them to take immediate action to protect the North Atlantic right whale from extinction. ([link removed])

Please be sure to share our action alert with family, friends, and co-workers, and encourage them to take action, too. As always, thank you very much for your help! ([link removed])

Sincerely,

Ericca Gandolfo
Policy Advisor
Government Affairs

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