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NOAA has announced today the issuance of a regulation that aims to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whales from collisions with large ships.  The regulation will require large vessels to slow to a speed of 10 knots or less when in designated areas along the east coast.  This measure is part of NOAA Fisheries Service’s ship strike reduction efforts that looks to protect this highly vulnerable and endangered species.  NOAA tells us:

With only 300 to 400 in existence, North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered whales in the world. Slow moving right whales are highly vulnerable to ship collisions, since their migration route crosses major East Coast shipping lanes. Along with existing measures to prevent entanglement of right whales in fishing gear, the new ship strike reduction rule is the most comprehensive approach that NOAA has taken in its effort to help right whales recover.

The 10 knot speed restriction will go into effect in early December and will extend 20 nautical miles around major ports, where 83% of right whale sightings are reported.  The rule also states voluntary speed limits for vessels in areas where 3 or more right whales are known to be gathered.  [Continue Reading →]

* UPDATE in response to NOAA’s Ship Strike Reduction Rule

NOAA has moved a step forward in implementing it’s Ship Strike Reduction Rule, which aims to reduce the number of North Atlantic right whales injured or killed from collisions with large ships.

The final environmental impact statement (EIS), outlines 6 alternatives including a vessel speed restriction of 10 knots or less in designated areas along the east coast of the US, the preferred alternative by NOAA.

With approximately 300 North Atlantic right whales left in existence, they are among the most endangered whales in the world.  Slow moving right whales are highly vulnerable to ship collisions, since their migration route crosses major East Coast shipping lanes.  It is estimated that 1 to 2 right whales are killed per year due to collision with large ships.

Below is a April 12th gCaptain post that explains a new technology that can used to help save these endangered species of whales.

* ORIGINAL POST

The Boston Globe tells us of a new undersea system to help ships avoid right whales. They write:

Scientists have developed a cutting-edge underwater listening system to protect the creatures from their number one killer: ships. The Massachusetts Bay network can track right whales by their signature call - and in as little as 20 minutes warn mariners to slow if they’re too close.

The devices are also giving scientists unprecedented insight into how the creatures change behavior to respond to the cacophony of man-made noises in the bay.

“We need to listen to these whales” to save them, said Christopher W. Clark, director of Cornell University’s Bioacoustics Research Program, which developed the technology with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Clarks said an increasing number of pipelines, cruise ships, tankers, and construction projects are drowning out the whales’ soft calls, making it difficult for them to connect. Clark has evidence that the whales simply don’t “whoop” when the bay gets too noisy.

The listening system, which is estimated to cost $47 million over the 25- to 40-year life of the project, is initially being paid for by Excelerate Energy, which recently finished construction of New England’s first offshore liquefied natural gas port, 13 miles southeast of Gloucester. If a second proposed port is built nearby, it will share the costs of the network. Federal officials demanded the monitoring system because vessels delivering gas will steam through the whale-laden sanctuary. Continue Reading….

Visit Listenforwhales.com for the full details. (Thanks Kurt)

IAR Global News writes:

A prominent US politician has introduced a legislative proposal aiming to protect the numbers of endangered whales.

Senator John Kerry has proposed speed limits for specific vessels that pass across the migratory paths of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

While the rule was first proposed in February 2007, Mr Kerry has called for immediate action to be taken to protect the whales’ population.

“The Bush administration needs to stop dragging their feet, follow the best available scientific evidence, and take immediate action to protect endangered right whales,” he said. Continue Reading…

Drawing by Louise Jennison

To help protect the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries Service is reminding mariners that the start of calving (birthing) season begins Nov. 15, and continues through April 15. The calving season is particularly critical because pregnant mothers and new-born calves are susceptible to ocean-surface traffic.

NOAA tell us;

“Protecting right whale mothers and their young is critical to the recovery of the population,” said Barb Zoodsma, NOAA Fisheries Service right whale biologist. “The loss of any right whale is of concern, and we ask for everyone to adhere to measures that protect this critically endangered species.”

Each year, pregnant females migrate southward more than 1,000 miles from feeding areas off Canada and New England to the warm, calm, coastal waters off South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida to give birth and nurse their young. These waters are the only known calving area for the species.

Collisions with ships and entanglement in fixed fishing gear are the two greatest threats to the recovery of North Atlantic right whales, which is why it is important that all mariners and fishers are aware of the regulations.

Beautiful and majestic species from the far reaches of the world are extinct as a direct result of commercial activities, the only difference today is you can help. The following are action items to help get the message out.

Mariners;

• Use the resources listed below as the basis for your weekly safety meeting.
• Spend time with your lookouts finding ways to improve detection.
• Discuss the topic with your fellow watchstanders.

Shore Side support;

• Ask your HS&E department to print NOAA’s letter in their newsletter.
• Discuss the topic at the watercooler, meetings and during ship visits.
• Call the ship and ask what you can do to provide support.

Everyone;

• Leave comments below with any tips, ideas or thoughts on this important topic!

Information;
Right Whale Mandatory Ship Reporting System placard
LATEST RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING CHART - NorthEast
LATEST RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING - SouthEast

Recommendations;

• Federal law prohibits approaching or remaining within 500 yards of right whales.
• Recommended routes are in place for mariners entering or leaving the ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina, Fla., and Brunswick, Ga. The routes are expected to reduce the chances of ship strikes with whales.
• Speeds of 10 knots or less are recommended when consistent with safe navigation.
• Always wear polarized sunglasses and stay alert in right whale habitat. Although right whales are large animals, they have dark skin, no dorsal fin, and can remain at, or just below the water’s surface making them extremely difficult to see.

Reporting;

• Steps to take to avoid collisions
• Ship Reporting System Fact Sheet
• Northeastern Reporting System Boundaries
• Southeastern Reporting System Boundaries
• Right Whale Sightings off the:
  Northeast U.S.
  Southeast U.S.

Links;

• Recommended Vessel Routes
• Ship Strike Reduction Homepage
• Office Of Protected Resources - NOAA
• Whale Disentanglement Team - NOAA
• The International Whaling Commission