The United States is considering modifications to regulations aimed at safeguarding the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale along the East Coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the country has highlighted the potential of modern technology to avert collisions between ships and whales while also accommodating industry requirements.
According to Neil Jacobs, the NOAA administrator, this initiative aligns with the President’s strategy of embracing advanced technologies, supporting domestic industry, and streamlining regulations. Seeking external feedback, the agency aims to address any unnecessary regulatory and economic challenges stemming from the speed restrictions imposed on larger vessels back in 2008.
Although there are advancements in technologies like satellites, thermal imaging, and surveys conducted via aerial drones or boats for whale detection, experts point out that these tools do not effectively prevent collisions due to the inability to predict the whales’ movement patterns. Sean Brillant, from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, emphasized the importance of not deregulating existing safety measures until more effective preventive technologies become available.
Moira Brown, the director of science at the Canadian Whale Institute, mentioned that while infrared cameras on ships can detect whales from a distance, they are still in experimental phases and have limitations in coverage and collision prevention capabilities. She suggested combining new technologies with existing speed regulations for enhanced protection, emphasizing that altering speed limits could impede conservation efforts significantly.
A 2020 report by NOAA evaluated the impact of speed regulations on vessel strikes of North Atlantic right whales, indicating a reduction in whale mortalities post-implementation of the regulations. The report recommended strengthening enforcement, extending regulations to smaller vessels, and adjusting speed limits in specific locations and periods to further mitigate risks.
Captain Bob Peacock, a veteran ship pilot in Maine, emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits and proper communication to prevent whale collisions. Despite potential changes to speed regulations, Peacock affirmed his commitment to maintaining a speed of 10 knots and stressed the value of traditional vigilance over technological solutions in avoiding collisions.
Notably, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported four documented North Atlantic right whale deaths in 2017 attributed to ship collisions. The declining whale population faces threats primarily from entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes, with estimates suggesting a population of fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales remaining.