(WPRI) — A fight is brewing over proposed speed restrictions for vessels along the East Coast that aim to protect endangered North Atlantic Right Whales .

The restrictions proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may impact both recreational and commercial boaters, including the Block Island Ferry .

Speed limits have been in place for larger boats since 2008. The changes proposed by NOAA in 2022 would expand the area and timing of seasonal speed restrictions and impose restrictions of 10 knots or less on most vessels between 35 and 65 feet in length.

Scientists say entanglements and vessel strikes are driving the decline of right whales, and the restrictions wouldn’t be in place during prime boating season.

“This has been happening at increased rates over the last few years and we need to do more,” said Gib Brogan, a campaign director at Oceana, a nonprofit organization focused on ocean conservation.

According to Brogan, the White House is reviewing the proposal and the changes are expected to be approved sometime this year.

The Block Island Ferry previously told 12 News that the restrictions would severely impact their operations.

Frank Hugelmeyer, the president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, is concerned the restrictions will have negative economic and safety impacts on boaters. He believes that using technology should be enough to stop vessel strikes.

“Radar and sonar exists already on boats large and small,” Hugelmeyer said. “You would ensure coast economies are vibrant, you would protect the small businesses.”

Environmental activists are pushing back, saying the stakes are too high and the technology is not advanced enough to prevent strikes.

“Scientists have told us that if we kill more than two Atlantic right whales every three years, this species won’t come back,” Brogan pointed out.

A bill has been introduced in Congress that would prohibit NOAA from capping the speed for small recreational boats. The bill was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee and discussed last week in the subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Representative Buddy Carter, a Republican from Georgia, sponsored the bill. During the discussion, he expressed concerns over the economic impacts of the regulations.

“Unfortunately, if this rule goes into effect, boaters who use 35-foot or larger vessels will simply not be taking fishing trips and the market will die for these kind of vessels,” Carter said.

Representative Jared Huffman, a Democrat from California, pointed out that the subcommittee had a hearing on the proposed regulations a year ago.

“Since that hearing, the evidence for a stronger vessel speed rule has only grown,” Huffman said. “At least four right whales have died from vessel strikes … though we can only afford to lose less than one per year if the population is to recover, according to scientists.”

Currently, the bill remains in committee.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.