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NMFS published a proposed rule to amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (per 50 CFR 224.105; 87 FR 46921, August 1, 2022). NMFS proposed this action to further reduce the likelihood of mortalities and serious injuries to endangered right whales from vessel collisions, which are a leading cause of the species’ decline and a primary factor in an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event. The proposed rule would 1) modify the spatial and temporal boundaries of current speed restriction areas, currently referred to as Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), 2) include most vessels greater than or equal to 35 ft (10.7 m) and less than 65 ft (19.8 m) in length in the vessel size class subject to speed restriction, 3) create a Dynamic Speed Zone framework to implement mandatory speed restrictions when whales are known to be present outside active SMAs, and 4) update the speed rule’s safety deviation provision. The proposed amendments to current speed regulations reduce vessel strike risk based on a coast wide collision mortality risk assessment and updated information on right whale distribution, vessel traffic patterns, and vessel strike mortality and serious injury events. NMFS solicited public comment on the proposed action and received over 90,000 public comments. The agency plans to take final action on the proposed rule in 2023.