The move is a major victory for the recreational marine industry and other stakeholders

In the waning days of the Biden administration the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has withdrawn its proposed vessel speed rule restrictions aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW), a major victory for the recreational marine industry and other stakeholders who opposed the controversial expansion of a rule originally put in place to slow commercial shipping vessels in known whale habitats.

Writing in the Federal Registry, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the NOAA subagency responsible for conservation efforts, said: “NMFS received approximately 90,000 public comments on the proposed rule. The comments received addressed many different aspects of the rule and reflected views on all sides of the issues addressed. Despite its best efforts, NMFS does not have sufficient time to finalise this regulation in this Administration due to the scope and volume of public comments.”

The original speed rule limiting vessels over 65ft in length to maintain a 10kt speed in certain areas during certain times of the year remains in effect.

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