US Ocean Regulator Proposes Changes to Right Whale Protection Rule

Environmental groups criticize plan to 'modernize' regulations and reduce 'economic burdens'

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, which numbers less than 400. The rule currently requires large ships to slow down at certain times to avoid collisions, a leading cause of death for the whales. NOAA says the new proposal will be a 'deregulatory-focused action' aimed at 'reducing unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens' while still protecting the whales. Environmental groups have criticized the move, citing the recent death of a 3-year-old female right whale.

Why it matters

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species, with fewer than 400 remaining. Collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear are the leading causes of death for these whales. Any changes to the existing vessel speed rule, which is a key protection measure, could further jeopardize the species' recovery.

The details

NOAA plans to announce proposed new rules that will 'modernize' the existing vessel speed regulations for the protection of North Atlantic right whales. The agency says the new proposal will be a 'deregulatory-focused action' aimed at 'reducing unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens' on industries like shipping and fishing, while still ensuring 'responsible conservation practices' for the whales.

  • 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days of the Biden administration, a proposal to expand slow zones and the classes of boats required to slow down was withdrawn due to the volume of public comments.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 and conservation of marine resources, including the protection of endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Defenders of Wildlife

A conservation group that has criticized NOAA's plans to weaken the vessel speed rule, citing the recent death of a young female right whale.

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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

What’s next

NOAA plans to soon announce the proposed new rules for public comment, which will detail the specific changes to the existing vessel speed regulations for North Atlantic right whale protection.

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 reducing economic burdens on affected industries. The fate of the North Atlantic right whale hangs in the balance as these regulatory changes are considered.