2008-02-20

USA - Anniversary Of Damaging Delay To Protect Right Whales

A damaging year-long delay to release vessel speed rules is impacting the survival chances of critically endangered right whales off the East coast of the USA.  The US Office of Management and Budget has consistently failed to release a rule which would slow down vessel traffic in key areas of the right whales habitat.
 
The loss of even one whale per year could push the species toward extinction.  However, since 2004, when the rule was first proposed at least nine right whales have died as a result of vessel strikes.  With fewer than 400 whales remaining, vessel strikes, along with entanglement, are threatening the very survival of this endangered species. 
 
WDCS is calling for the rule, which according to procedure should have been released at least 9 months ago, to be released without further delay as a critical measure to protect the right whales and the environment by reducing emissions.
 
Regina Asmutis-Silvia, Senior Biologist for WDCS said. “The continued delay is unconscionable and the public should know that, yet again, this administration is prioritizing industry over endangered species protection and the health of our citizens.”