After the cancellation of an important warning aimed at protecting the whales from collisions with vessels, some of their protective measures have been rolled back. The action is in line with an executive order aimed at boosting American energy by reducing regulations.
Why it Matters
Rice’s whales are extremely vulnerable. The latest NOAA survey, which covers the years 2017-2018, estimates that there were only 51 of them. The only marine mammal found in the Gulf of Mexico is at risk from underwater noise pollution and ship collisions.
You Should Know
Since August 2023, the “Notice To Lessees And Operators” regarding expanded Rice Whale protection efforts during reinitiated consultation with NMFS was in force. The guidance was applicable to all maritime traffic in the Gulf of Mexico, including oil and gas vessels. They included using whale-spotters trained in the art, reducing vessel speed, and not transiting during times of low visibility.
After legal actions were initiated by 2020, environmental groups such as Sierra Club brought a lawsuit against National Marine Fisheries Service.
The DOI revoked the notice in response to “Unleashing the American Energy” Executive Order. This executive order seeks to ease what is described as “burdensome” regulations imposed on the Biden Administration, in an attempt to encourage the development of and use of domestic natural resources.
Doug Burgum, Secretary of Interior, stated that the removal of such regulations would unlock America’s resources and foster prosperity. This will be achieved by improving energy and minerals identification, permits, leasing, production, transport, refining and distribution capacity, as well as generation and exporting.
The People Say
Dan Moss is a Senior Government Relations Representative with Defenders Of Wildlife. The weakened conservation efforts for endangered species such as the Rice’s whale have been a source of concern. He highlighted the uniqueness of this whale as it is the only one of its kind to spend the entire year in the Gulf of Mexico. Moss warned that lifting protections would increase the Rice whale’s chances of extinction.
Erik Milito President of the National Ocean Industries Association The government welcomed this decision and stated that it would create jobs, attract investments and maintain environmental protection. The President believes the reforms will enhance America’s position as a leader in energy. He looks forward to working together with DOI and Secretary Burgum.
What happens next?
It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of this decision will be. This decision has implications for the U.S. energy industry and also the vulnerable Rice whales in the Gulf of Mexico, who are at risk of increased oil and gas activity and vessel collisions.