There is a NOAA proposal to reduce speed much of the spring season in CCB and the Stellwagen Bank area to protect right whales from ship and boat strikes. Needless to say a 10 kt speed limit would make for a very long ride to the bank. Please see the attached e-mail, pass around and let the pols know this is uncalled for. I do not know of one BOAT that has ever hit one of these mamals. Check out the map at page 65 to see the area proposed. Please remember, they can expand this anytime someone sees a right whale.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/shipstrike/proposed_rule_filed.pdf

http://shipstrike.com
ments@noaa.gov (http://shipstrike.comments@noaa.gov)

Respectfully,

Dave Waldrip

> Here are some proposed measures:
>
> * The North Atlantic right whale population is believed to be at or
> less than 300 individuals, making it one of the most critically
> endangered whale species in the world. Existing conservation
> measures have not been sufficient to reduce right whale deaths and
> serious injuries associated with ship strikes.
>
> * This proposed rule would implement speed restrictions of 10 knots
> or less for vessels greater than 65 ft in certain times and areas
> along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard, corresponding to right whale
> occurrence.
>
> * The designated areas for speed restrictions are located off the
> southeast coast, the mid-Atlantic coast, and the northeast coast
> of the United States.
>
> * The rule would also provide for temporary “dynamic management
> areas” (DMAs) in times and/or areas where the seasonal management
> measures are not in effect, and where whales occur unexpectedly.
> In these locations, boaters would have the option to cross through
> the DMA at a speed no greater than 10 knots, or route around the
> area.
>
> * NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comment on this proposed rule
> until August 23, 2006. Comments may be sent to:
> shipstrike.comments@noaa.gov <mailto:shipstrike.comments@noaa.gov>.
>
> For more information, please visit: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike
>
>
>
>

This doesn't make much sense...

Next thing is closing off areas because a whale is or may swim through the area. Smacks of PETAISMS

That would be tough to enforce.

It says it is for vessels greater than 65 feet. How many of us fit that bill?

Slapshot, that was not spelled out in the DAM section and if you read it carefully they spoke about recreational vessels and manatees, see the relationship. I spoke to Greg Silber in NOAA who stated it was only for 65' vessels. I bet that makes you and every small boat feel good. What about your friends who go out on party boats fishing and what about the owners and operators of those vessels. They are going to be impacted by this resulting in severe financial loss. Once it is implemented and they decide to make all vessels go 10 knots it will suckl for everyone.

If they pass this, whats next ?
A 10mph speed limit in all waters where dogfish could be ???
:hang: