US Ocean Regulator Faces Criticism Over Changes to Right Whale Protection Rule

Proposed changes to longstanding rule aim to 'reduce unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens' despite recent death of endangered whale

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to propose changes to a rule designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which numbers less than 400. The rule requires large ships to slow down at certain times to avoid collisions, a leading cause of death for the whales. Environmental groups have criticized the proposed 'deregulatory-focused action' that aims to 'reduce unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens', 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 recovery of this critically endangered species.

The details

NOAA plans to soon announce proposed new rules that 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. The proposed changes come despite the recent confirmation of the death of a 3-year-old female right whale off Virginia, which environmental groups say highlights the urgent need for more protections, not fewer.

  • On February 10, 2026, the death of a 3-year-old female right whale was confirmed off the coast of Virginia.
  • NOAA plans to soon announce the proposed new rules to 'modernize' the right whale protections.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The U.S. government agency that regulates the nation's oceans and coasts, including managing policies to protect endangered marine species like the North Atlantic right whale.

Defenders of Wildlife

A conservation group that has criticized NOAA's proposed changes to the right whale protection rule, citing the recent death of a young female 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 that would 'modernize' the right whale protections, which will then be open for public comment before being finalized.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to the right whale protection rule, which aims to reduce regulatory and economic burdens on industries, come at a critical time for the endangered species. With fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales remaining and collisions with ships being a leading cause of death, any weakening of existing safeguards could further jeopardize the recovery of this vulnerable population.