The Trump administration on Tuesday took the first step toward loosening regulations that protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale from vessel strikes.
Here are some details:
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The National Marine Fisheries Service said it is considering replacing seasonal vessel speed restrictions with whale management areas and technology-based measures to avoid vessel strikes.
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There are about 380 North Atlantic right whales. Their main threats to survival include entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels, the agency said.
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NMFS, a division of the Commerce Department, is seeking information and comments for 90 days.
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During the Biden administration, NMFS proposed to toughen vessel speed restrictions, but the rule was never finalized.
