NOAA publishes guide to reduce whale “ship strikes”

NOAA publishes guide to reduce whale “ship strikes”

NOAA publishes guide to reduce whale “ship strikes”

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries has released a Compliance Guide for the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule, which summarizes details of the rule and can be kept on the bridge of vessels for quick reference.

   The rule implements speed restrictions of 10 knots or less in areas and seasons along the U.S. East Coast where right whales are known to occur. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 10 (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike), and will come into effect Dec. 9.