The North Atlantic right whale is on the brink of extinction—but the Trump Administration is considering changes that could weaken a critical protection that keeps these whales alive.

Since 2008, federal rules have required large vessels to slow down to 10 knots in key areas where right whales are known to gather. These speed limits save lives. Ship strikes are one of the leading causes of death for right whales, and slower vessel speeds reduce both the likelihood and severity of deadly collisions.

But now, Trump’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering weakening or replacing these lifesaving speed rules. Officials say they want to reduce regulatory burdens and explore alternatives like new detection and avoidance technologies.

There’s just one problem: many scientists and conservationists warn these technologies are not yet proven at the scale needed to reliably protect whales in real-world conditions.

Slower speeds, on the other hand, are simple, effective, and widely recognized as a critical tool to prevent fatal ship strikes.

And the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Fewer than 380 North Atlantic right whales remain—and only about 70 breeding females are left. Vessel strikes and fishing gear are killing these whales faster than they can recover.

Weakening protections now could push this iconic species closer to extinction.

We should be strengthening protections—not gambling with them.

NOAA is currently accepting public input as it considers potential changes to the vessel strike reduction rule. Decision-makers need to hear loud and clear: Americans want strong, science-based protections for North Atlantic right whales.

Add your voice today and submit a comment to demand that NOAA maintain—and strengthen—vessel speed limits to protect these critically endangered whales before it’s too late.