U.S. Requires Ships to Cut Speed for Whales

“We are very happy that for the first time ever there are speed restrictions on the East Coast specifically for right whales,” said Vicki Cornish, vice president of marine wildlife conservation at Ocean Conservancy, an environmental group. “Hopefully, there will be benefit for other whales, including humpback whales and fin whales.”

Fewer than 400 right whales now exist, scientists estimate. For centuries, their lumbering pace and huge size made right whales easy prey for whaling ships. To prevent their extinction, hunting them became illegal in 1935. One or two right whales die each year after being hit by ships, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Ms. Cornish estimated that equal numbers of whales are killed by speeding ships but are never documented.

The fisheries service first proposed reducing the ship speeds to reduce whale deaths in 2006. The plan bogged down in the White House Office of Management and Budget amid complaints from the shipping industry.

The World Shipping Council, the most vocal critic of the speed restrictions, could not be reached for comment. The council has argued that there is not enough evidence to support the connection between lower speeds and fewer deaths.

The Ocean Conservancy, the Humane Society of the United States and Defenders of Wildlife have filed two lawsuits against the fisheries service to speed the process. The first suit was dismissed, and the second has not been resolved.