Protect whales without shutting down Gulf oil industry
The US National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a revised biological opinion on offshore oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico, narrowly avoiding a potential industry shutdown. The update introduces new protections for the critically endangered Rice’s whale, including vessel speed limits and a 500 m buffer zone.
Industry groups API and NOIA welcomed the opinion’s release, citing relief over regulatory clarity, though they question the whale jeopardy findings. Environmentalists argue the measures fall short, warning of likely fatalities.
The opinion was required by court order, after earlier assessments were deemed insufficient. With an estimated population of just 51, Rice’s whales remain at the centre of environmental and industry tensions in US offshore energy policy. (ah)