The rule issued requires large ships to slow to 10 knots (11.5 mph) during parts of the year when they come within 20 nautical miles of several East Coast ports in areas where the whales feed, reproduce and migrate. In July 2006, NOAA scientists proposed buffer areas extending 30 nautical miles, but shipping interests said that would cost them too much time and money.

 

NOAA, Court Focus On Marine Mammals (by Jerry Markon and Juliet Eiperin, Washington Post)