A Federal Consistency Determination has been submitted to the DNREC Delaware Coastal Management Program (DCMP) for the following: NFMS Whale Collision Speed Reduction (2024.0036)

The National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed amendments to the existing North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) vessel speed rule to further reduce the likelihood of mortalities and serious injuries to endangered right whales from vessel strikes. The proposed rule would modify the boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions, create a Dynamic Speed Zone program, extend the size threshold of regulated vessels, and update the speed rule’s safety deviation provision. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency under the policies of the DNREC DCMP.

Comments concerning this Federal Consistency Determination will be accepted through July 30, 2024. Comments may be sent to: Delaware Coastal Programs, Ms. Kimberly Cole, Administrator, 100 W. Water Street, Suite 7B, Dover, DE, 19904, or electronically to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. For additional information please visit de.gov/dnrecnotices or call (302) 739-9283.

Related Topics:  climate coastal energy, coastal management, coastal programs, dcmp, federal consistency, permitting and regulation, public notice, right whale