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DOC/NOAA | RIN: 0648-BB20 | Publication ID: Spring 2014 |
Title: Eliminate the Expiration Date Contained in the Final Rule to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions With North Atlantic Right Whales | |
Abstract: In 2008, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) promulgated a regulation designed to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships. The rule implemented speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots applying to all vessels 65 feet long or greater in certain locations and times of the year along the east coast of the United States. To resolve controversy over the rule, NMFS agreed to incorporate a sunset clause under which the rule would expire on December 9, 2013. NMFS has been monitoring compliance and effectiveness of the rule and has detected a considerable increase in the rate of compliance with the rule in the third year. There are only approximately 400 remaining North Atlantic right whales, and the rate of encounter is relatively low, so detecting a trend in the rate of ship-strike mortalities will require several additional years of data. NMFS believes the science that supports the rule is sound and that slowing vessels will save whales and contribute to species recovery. Therefore, NMFS published this action to remove the sunset provision and allow the rule to remain in place. Based on an evaluation of recent information, NMFS estimated economic impacts to be considerably less than was originally thought. | |
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC) | Priority: Economically Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions |
Major: Yes | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 224 | |
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq 16 USC 1531 et seq |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes | Government Levels Affected: Federal |
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
International Impacts: This regulatory action will be likely to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise be of international interest. | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes | |
Agency Contact: Donna Wieting Director, Office of Protected Resources Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone:301 427-8400 |