We Must Protect Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales!

1. Slowing down boat speeds helps save marine life. Urge NOAA to establish a
10-knot speed limit in right whale habitat.

TAKE ACTION

2. Tell BOEM and NOAA we need all hands on deck – urge them to adopt a strong strategy to protect North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy.

TAKE ACTION

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Dear NRDC Activist,

The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is in precarious straits. Fewer than 340 of these majestic creatures remain.

Vessel collisions are a leading cause of the species' decline. Even a single boat strike could have major ramifications for the survival of the species.

Additionally, offshore wind development plans are underway that are crucial in reaching our national climate goals — but the projects will require the use of ships and bring noise and other threats for this already imperiled whale.

Fortunately, President Biden's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently released TWO proposals to protect the North Atlantic right whale. We need you to weigh in on both:

Since reducing boat speeds has been proven to help save marine life, one proposal strengthens existing requirements for a 10-knot speed limit in right whale habitat. Submit a public comment supporting NOAA's proposed vessel speed rule. Deadline to comment: Oct. 31.
The second proposal is a management strategy to protect and promote the recovery of North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy. Submit a public comment supporting the Biden administration's plan to increase protection efforts for endangered North Atlantic right whales and promote responsible offshore wind development.

NRDC is fighting for BOTH proposals, but we need your help to create a massive groundswell of public support in defense of these endangered whales.

North Atlantic right whales face vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, underwater noise pollution, malnourishment, and other threats. This is all while fighting to adapt to climate change.

We can help the right whale by slowing boat speeds. Slower boat speeds save marine life, significantly reducing the chance of death or serious injury to whales and turtles from vessel strikes. Adopting a strong 10-knot speed limit for vessels helps protect ocean life for the future.

The Biden administration has also issued a strategy to protect North Atlantic right whales during development of America's new offshore wind industry. This draft strategy is a good start, but needs stronger protections from threats like underwater noise pollution. In the absence of strong requirements, right whales are at an increased risk of exposure to harmful levels of underwater noise.

Now is the time to use our people power to weigh in on right whale protections. We must strengthen the 10-knot speed limit for vessels and implement a strong strategy to enhance protection efforts for endangered North Atlantic right whales during offshore wind development.

Thank you for taking action. Together, we can help protect North Atlantic right whales.

Sincerely,

Alison Chase
Senior Policy Analyst, Oceans Division, Nature Program, NRDC

Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA research permit #15488

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