February 13, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries today has proposed to expand the designated critical habitat for endangered North Atlantic right whales in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including areas that will support calving and nursing.
The area, proposed in compliance with a court order, would expand the critical habitat to roughly 29,945 square nautical miles, and includes northeast feeding areas in the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank region and calving grounds from southern North Carolina to northern Florida.
To get all the details, read our web story, press release or the signed proposed rule.
The comment period for the proposed rule will open upon publication of the rule in the Federal Register, which is expected next week. At that time, the public may submit comments, identified by the NOAA-NMFS-2014-0085, by either of the following methods:
– Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
– Mail: Assistant Regional Administrator, Protected Resources Division, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
For questions or additional information, please contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or email jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov