US Ocean Regulator Proposes Changes to Right Whale Protection Rule

Environmental groups criticize the move, citing a recent death of an endangered whale.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to announce proposed new rules that aim to 'modernize' the longstanding vessel speed restrictions designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The move has drawn criticism from environmental groups who argue that the whales need more protections, not fewer, especially after the recent death of a 3-year-old female whale off Virginia.

Why it matters

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whale species, with fewer than 400 remaining. Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for these whales, which is why the existing vessel speed rule was put in place to require large ships to slow down at certain times to avoid collisions. Environmental groups are concerned that weakening these protections could further endanger the species.

The details

NOAA stated that the proposed new rules will be a 'deregulatory-focused action' aimed at 'reducing unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens' on industries, while still ensuring 'responsible conservation practices' for the right whales. However, details about the specific changes to the vessel speed rule have not yet been released. Environmental groups argue that any weakening of the protections could be devastating for the whales, especially given the recent death of a young female whale.

  • On February 10, 2026, a 3-year-old female North Atlantic 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days of the Biden administration, a proposal to expand slow zones and the classes of boats required to slow down was withdrawn due to the volume of public comments.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, arguing that the whales need more protections, not fewer.

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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 (wysl1040.com)

What’s next

NOAA has stated that more information about the proposed changes to the right whale protection rule will be forthcoming. Environmental groups are expected to closely monitor the rulemaking process and continue to advocate for stronger protections for the endangered whales.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to the right whale protection rule highlight the ongoing tension between industry interests and environmental conservation efforts. While NOAA aims to 'modernize' the regulations, environmental groups argue that the whales need more, not fewer, protections to ensure their survival.