Coast Guard studies port access to protect North American right whale
The U.S. Coast Guard has initiated a port access study to find ways to protect the highly endangered North American right whale from vessel strikes.
“Potential vessel routing measures are being considered to protect the right whale from ship strikes in their two major aggregation areas, while minimizing adverse impacts on vessel operations,” the Coast Guard said.
The study will first focus on Cape Code Bay, Mass. area. It will also review the seacoast at the approaches to the ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, Fla.; and Brunswick, Ga.
“The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking actions or appropriate international agreements,” the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the regulations issued under those statutes.