Feds to propose changes to areas where rare right whales protected from strikes, entanglement

Feds to propose changes to whale protection areas

BOSTON — Federal regulators say they’ll propose changes to three areas off the East Coast where special rules protect rare right whales from becoming entangled in fishing gear or struck by ships.

The whale protection areas are a calving ground for the North Atlantic Right Whale off Georgia and Florida and two feeding grounds off Massachusetts. Certain types of fishing gear are forbidden in these areas and there are vessel speed restrictions when whales are around.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday that evidence gathered since the areas were established in 1994 — including the number of whales and where they were found — show the program may need to be revised. The agency expects to make recommendations next year.