US Ocean Regulator Faces Criticism Over Right Whale Protection Rule Changes

Environmental groups cite recent death of endangered whale as reason to strengthen, not weaken, regulations.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to propose changes to a longstanding rule designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, prompting criticism from environmental groups who say the whales need more protections, not fewer, in light of a recent death of a young female whale.

Why it matters

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whale species, with fewer than 400 remaining. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are leading causes of death for the whales. Environmental groups argue that now is not the time to weaken regulations intended to protect this vulnerable species.

The details

NOAA says the proposed changes will be a 'deregulatory-focused action' aimed at 'reducing unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens' on industries like shipping, while still ensuring 'responsible conservation practices.' However, critics point to the recent death of a 3-year-old female right whale off Virginia as evidence that the whales need stronger protections, not weaker ones.

  • On February 10, 2026, a 3-year-old female right whale was confirmed dead off the coast of Virginia.
  • In the final days of the Biden administration, a proposal to expand slow zones and the classes of boats required to slow down was withdrawn due to the volume of public comments.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the management of the nation's oceans, major waterways, and atmosphere.

Defenders of Wildlife

A conservation group that has criticized NOAA's plans to weaken right whale protections.

National Marine Manufacturers Association

An industry group that has advocated for technology-based solutions over vessel speed restrictions to protect right whales.

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What they’re saying

“Another female right whale — the future of this species — has lost her life. We urgently need more right whale protections, not fewer. The Trump administration's apparent determination to weaken the vessel speed rule could not come at a worse time.”

— Jane Davenport, Senior Attorney, Defenders of Wildlife

“We must implement new technologies, engineering approaches, and other advanced tools to protect the whales.”

— NOAA (Associated Press)

What’s next

NOAA plans to soon announce proposed new rules that will 'modernize' the right whale protections, with a focus on reducing regulatory and economic burdens on industries.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between environmental conservation efforts and industry interests, as regulators seek to balance protecting an endangered species with minimizing economic impacts. The recent death of a young right whale has heightened the urgency for stronger protections, even as NOAA proposes changes that critics say will weaken those safeguards.