Trump Administration Considers Easing Vessel Rules Protecting Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales

The Trump administration has begun reviewing regulations designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, signaling a possible shift in U.S. marine conservation policy. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced it is exploring alternatives to existing seasonal vessel speed restrictions aimed at preventing deadly ship strikes. Instead, regulators are considering whale management zones and technology-based monitoring systems to help vessels avoid collisions. With only about 380 North Atlantic right whales remaining, vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement remain the species’ greatest threats. The agency has opened a 90-day public comment period to gather feedback before moving forward. The review marks a notable departure from the previous proposal under the Biden Administration, which had sought stricter speed limits for vessels operating in whale habitats but never finalized the rule.