National Marine Fisheries Service
Alaska Region
NEWS RELEASE

NOAA FISHERIES EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD ON PROPOSED RULES TO INCREASE PROTECTION FOR HUMPBACK WHALES

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Region, has extended the public comment period from August 10 to October 15 on a proposed rule to provide additional protection for humpback whales in Alaska waters. The agency is responding to a request from the public for additional time to prepare comments.

Under the proposed regulations, it would be unlawful to approach, by any means including interception, within 200 yards of a humpback whale. Complete text of the proposed rule can be located at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/prules/humpbackwhales.pdf