US Considers Tech Upgrades for Protecting Endangered Whales

The United States is looking to revise regulations aimed at safeguarding the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population along the East Coast from ship strikes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the country has not provided specific details on the proposed changes but has highlighted the potential of modern technology to prevent collisions between ships and whales, while also catering to the requirements of the industry.

“This step signifies a significant move towards realizing the President’s vision of embracing modern technologies, supporting American industry, and fostering efficient and effective regulations,” stated Neil Jacobs, the NOAA administrator, in a news release on March 4.

The agency is soliciting external feedback on ways to reduce the “unnecessary regulatory and economic burdens” linked to speed restrictions imposed on larger vessels in 2008.

Nonetheless, experts caution that current technology is not sufficiently advanced to entirely avert whale collisions on its own.

“The required innovative technology is still in development,” remarked Sean Brillant, the marine program coordinator at the Canadian Wildlife Federation. “While it’s a commendable idea to seek such technology, it’s crucial not to relax existing measures in the absence of a definitive solution.”

Brillant highlighted that technologies like satellites, thermal imaging, and aerial, drone, or boat-based surveys can aid in whale detection but fall short in predicting the animals’ travel patterns, thus limiting their ability to prevent collisions.

Moira Brown, the science director at the Canadian Whale Institute, mentioned that infrared cameras mounted on ships can spot whales and their spouts from a distance, although they are still experimental. While this technology shows promise, its narrow field of view makes it insufficient by itself to prevent whale collisions.

“Integrating new technologies alongside speed regulations could offer enhanced protection,” Brown suggested. She also noted that while speed limits alone are not entirely effective, any proposal to alter them would represent a setback in conservation efforts.

Notably, a report by NOAA in 2020 assessed the impact of speed limit regulations, mandating that vessels over 20 meters slow down to 10 knots or 18.5 kilometers per hour at specific times and locations.

The report indicated a decrease in whale fatalities following the implementation of these regulations but emphasized the need for further enhancements, including stricter enforcement, extending the rules to smaller vessels, and adjusting speed limits’ times and locations.

With five decades of experience as a ship pilot in Maine, Captain Bob Peacock has never encountered a North Atlantic right whale collision and attributes this success to adhering to speed limits and effective communication.

“Through collaborative efforts and compliance with regulations, we’ve seen positive outcomes over time,” Peacock remarked.

If NOAA proceeds with altering speed regulations, Peacock affirmed his commitment to maintaining speeds at 10 knots. Regarding technology, Peacock acknowledged drones’ ability to spot whales but emphasized the importance of human vigilance in avoiding collisions by slowing down and collaborating with local experts.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, four documented North Atlantic right whale deaths in 2017 were suspected to result from ship collisions.

The North Atlantic right whale population has been dwindling since 2010 due to entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes, with estimates suggesting a population of less than 400 individuals.

MORE TOP STORIES