WASHINGTON – The federal government will invest in multiple programs to protect endangered whales as part of a massive spending bill to be approved this week and signed by President Biden. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes several provisions that would reduce ship noise and vessel strikes and protect the iconic Southern Resident orcas and other whales.
“Underwater noise pollution from ships is rampant in the ocean, and it threatens the recovery of critically endangered marine mammals, such as Southern Resident orcas and North Atlantic right whales,” said Regan Nelson, senior oceans advocate for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “This smart new legislation will invest in reducing vessel noise and put the country on a pathway to building ships that are both carbon-free and quiet.”
