The North Atlantic right whale population has seen a 2% increase from 2023 to 2024, with around 380 whales remaining. However, the Trump administration is exploring deregulatory action that could eliminate slow zones in places with heavy maritime traffic. Conservationists are alarmed, as these changes could undo years of progress and further threaten the already fragile whale population.
Conservationists highlight vessel strikes as a major threat to right whales, particularly mothers and their calves. The federal government has enforced rules to slow boats down in areas where right whales frequent. However, some argue that new technologies can reduce speeds without restrictions. A recent study found that vessel speed restrictions have reduced vessel strikes from 0 per year to a significant decrease.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association supports the protection of right whales but questions whether blanket speed limits across broad swaths of the Atlantic are effective. Instead, they propose using technology to monitor whale populations and implement more targeted measures.
Despite concerns about these proposed changes, researchers point out that the increasing right whale population is a positive sign, attributed in part to increased public awareness and cooperation with NOAA’s member organizations. However, experts emphasize that protecting whales requires a comprehensive strategy that balances human interests with conservation goals.
Source: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/06/27/is-the-trump-administration-on-the-verge-of-further-endangering-north-atlantic-right-whales