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Boats slow down to protect whales in the Savannah River. The Savannah River meets the Atlantic Ocean at Fort Pulaski National Monument, the brick citadel built to guard this port city in the years before the Civil War.
Boats Slow Down to Protect Whales
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Introduction
The North Atlantic right whale is a critically endangered species, with only about 360 individuals remaining on Earth. These majestic creatures face numerous threats, including vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. In an effort to protect these whales, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to expand a lower boat speed limit to protect whales.
The Need for a Speed Limit
Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for North Atlantic right whales. Between 2017 and 2023, 12 right whales were killed by vessel strikes. Slowing boats down can protect whales by reducing the risk of these collisions. According to NOAA research, limiting speeds to 10 knots reduces the risk of vessel strikes by at least 80%.
The Proposed Rule
The proposed rule would expand the lower boat speed limit to protect whales as small as 35 feet. This would affect pilot boats, which are used to guide large ships into and out of port. The speed limit would be in effect during whale calving season, which runs from November 15 to April 15.
Objections to the Proposed Rule
The proposed rule has been met with objections from the maritime industry and some elected officials. They argue that the speed limit would make it difficult for pilot boats to safely maneuver in rough seas. They also argue that the rule would delay the movement of goods and increase shipping costs.
The Importance of Protecting Whales
Despite the objections, the proposed rule is necessary to protect North Atlantic right whales. These whales are facing a very real threat of extinction. Slowing boats down to protect whales is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and help these whales recover.
Wrapping Up
The proposed rule to expand the lower boat speed limit is a critical step to protect North Atlantic right whales. While there are some objections to the rule, the benefits of protecting these endangered whales far outweigh the costs. By working together, we can help ensure that these magnificent creatures have a future.
FAQ’s
1. Why is it necessary to reduce boat speeds to protect North Atlantic right whales?
Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for North Atlantic right whales, and slowing boats down can help reduce the risk of these collisions.
2. How effective are lower boat speeds in reducing vessel strikes on whales?
According to NOAA research, limiting speeds to 10 knots reduces the risk of vessel strikes by at least 80%.
3. What areas will the proposed lower boat speed limit affect?
The proposed rule would expand the lower boat speed limit to include vessels as small as 35 feet, which would affect pilot boats used to guide large ships into and out of port.
4. What is the duration of the proposed lower boat speed limit?
The speed limit would be in effect during whale calving season, which runs from November 15 to April 15.
5. What are the concerns raised by the maritime industry and elected officials regarding the proposed rule?
The maritime industry and some elected officials argue that the speed limit would make it difficult for pilot boats to safely maneuver in rough seas, delay the movement of goods, and increase shipping costs.
Links to additional Resources:
Sorry, but the provided context does not contain any information about websites or URLs related to the subject of boats slowing down to protect whales. Therefore, I cannot extract the requested data from the provided context..Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: North Atlantic right whale (animal), Vessel strikes on whales (marine conservation), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (government agency)North Atlantic right whale
The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a baleen whale, one of three right whale species belonging to the genus Eubalaena, all of which were formerly classified as a single species. Because of their docile nature, their slow surface-skimming feeding behaviors, their tendencies to stay close to the coast,...
Read more: North Atlantic right whale
Blue whale
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal and a baleen whale. Reaching a maximum confirmed length of 29.9 meters (98 ft) and weighing up to 199 tonnes (196 long tons; 219 short tons), it is the largest animal known ever to have existed. The blue whale's long and...
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (abbreviated as NOAA NOH-ə) is a US scientific and regulatory agency charged with forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, charting the seas, conducting deep-sea exploration, and managing fishing and protection of marine mammals and endangered species in the US exclusive economic zone. The...
Read more: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
