THE 10-KNOT RULE. Email Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, by clicking on START WRITING. (For more details about the regulations, see letter to Janet Coit).

The so-called 10-knot rule regulates speed, extends the 10-knot requirement to vessels 35-feet and above, and establishes mandatory closures of high-risk areas.

Maintaining speeds of 10 knots or less will significantly protect right whales from vessel collisions. Under these programs, NOAA Fisheries provides maps and coordinates to vessel operators indicating areas where right whales have been detected.

NOAA has delayed finalizing the rule.