Implementation of Vessel Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) established vessel speed restrictions to reduce the threat of collisions with highly endangered North Atlantic right whales. The restrictions apply at specific times and in specific locations along the U.S. eastern seaboard. However, NMFS is also providing an exception to the restrictions in poor weather or sea conditions. Ships' captains are required to make an entry into the ship's Official Logbook when an exception is necessary. The logbook entry is expected to take less than five minutes; an estimated total of 254 hours for the entire United States (U.S.) east coast shipping industry, annually.

The latest form for Implementation of Vessel Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales expires 2021-01-31 and can be found here.