A long-awaited rule that would expand boat speed restrictions to protect an endangered whale species won’t come out before the end of the year, said two people familiar with the decision.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is working on finalizing a proposal directing vessels between 35 and 65 feet to comply with a current seasonal speed restriction of up to 10 knots in designated areas from Maine to Florida. That speed restriction now applies to vessels 65 feet and larger to prevent injuring and killing North Atlantic right whales.
NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit said at a Nov. ...