Take Action: Protect endangered right whales by speaking up today!

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered: There are only about 380 of these whales left on the planet, and only about 70 of those are females who can give birth to calves. This is a species on the brink of disappearing, and they need all the protection we can give them.

But the Trump administration is seeking to weaken or even eliminate the North Atlantic right whale 2008 vessel speed rule, a rule that aims to reduce the number of whales who are hit by vessels and maimed or killed.

They’re taking public comments on this plan now. We need to speak out immediately against this ill-advised proposal that risks driving these whales to extinction!

Tell the Trump administration not to weaken much-needed protections for North Atlantic right whales!

Message

DOW

Inbox

Defenders of Wildlife

Mr. Piñeiro Soler,

I urge the administration to abandon its plans to strip North Atlantic right whales of vessel strike protections by weakening or rescinding the 2008 vessel speed rule. Right whales are critically endangered. There are 380 surviving individuals, with only 70 reproductive females. They desperately need the safeguards the rule provides from vessel strikes, one of the two biggest threats to the survival of this species.

NOAA Fisheries established the rule because the science shows that slowing large vessels saves whales’ lives. The rule is narrowly tailored and applies only to vessels 65 feet (the size of a semi-truck with trailer) and larger in limited times and areas where heavy vessel traffic overlaps with seasonal right whale presence. The agency’s data over the past 18 years demonstrates that annual economic impacts are minimal.

Slowing large vessels to 10 knots or less is the only demonstrated way to prevent deadly collisions. Seasonal speed limits are also a low-cost measure that does not require vessel captains to purchase, or the government to supply, expensive new equipment for hundreds of thousands of large vessels. Simply put, there are no proven technologies to detect and avoid whales that can match the efficacy—and the economic efficiency—of vessel speed limits.

I urge the administration to respect the science and proven track record of the 2008 vessel speed rule and maintain its protections for the right whale.

Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

Contact Information

Title

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Please send me wildlife updates and calls to action from Defenders. Privacy Policy

Mobile Phone

By checking this box you consent to receive SMS/MMS alerts from Defenders. Message frequency varies, Msg & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe, HELP for more info. Privacy Policy & Terms

Street

Address 2

Country

Postcode

City

State