What: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public input on its 2008 Vessel Speed Rule.
Why: The Vessel Speed Rule requires seasonal, mandatory vessel speed restrictions in designated areas along the east coast to reduce the risk of vessel collisions with North Atlantic right whales. The rule requires most vessels equal to or greater than 65 feet in length to travel at speeds of 10 knots or less in areas where right whales may be present.
NMFS is seeking to reduce the Vessel Speed Rule’s unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens on the regulated community by replacing its speed restrictions with other regulatory options including technology-based measures. Specifically, the agency is seeking information on the following areas:
- The effectiveness of technologies to reduce vessel strikes with whales.
- Vessel-size-specific risk assessment.
- Alternative management areas.
- The effectiveness of the Vessel Speed Rule in reducing the risk of vessel strikes with right whales.
- Quantifiable data on the economic consequences of the Vessel Speed Rule, especially where it may have impacted operations for shipping, fishing, tourism, or other industries – this specifically includes impacts on small businesses and small governmental entities.
- Information regarding successful models for mariner outreach and collaborative monitoring programs that incentivize voluntary strike avoidance.
Action: Review the advance notice and submit comments before the June 2, 2026, deadline.
2008 VESSEL SPEED RULE
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
CONTACT: Nick Goldstein
EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov
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