Andrew Lewin discusses the urgent need to slow down and enforce more slowdowns of boats along the Atlantic coast after a Northern Atlantic Right whale calf was struck by a ship. The devastating news of a North Atlantic right whale calf being struck by a ship and expected to die highlights the critical situation faced by these endangered whales. With only 356 individuals remaining, action must be taken to protect them. Tune in to learn more about the importance of speaking up for the ocean and taking steps to ensure its preservation. Link to article: https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/10/19/speeding-ships-threaten-extinction-of-north-atlantic-right-whales-study-warns/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc  In the episode, it was mentioned that Puget Sound in Washington had undergone a temporary closure or slowdown to safeguard the Southern Resident Orca populations. The episode also introduced a woman affiliated with a marine transportation organization who was part of an effort to protect these orcas by examining the impact of speed. The organization proposed a voluntary slowdown project in Puget Sound, specifically in areas frequented by the orcas, for a duration of eight weeks. The project received widespread support and was successfully implemented. The results of this project are expected to be available later in the summer. The episode further discusses the urgent need for more boat slowdowns along the Atlantic coast to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. With only 356 individuals remaining, immediate action is crucial to prevent further harm to this species. The episode highlights a recent incident where a North Atlantic right whale calf was struck by a ship, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for protective measures. One of the main reasons why North Atlantic right whales are particularly vulnerable to ship strikes is their slower swimming speed. Additionally, their tendency to stay just below the water's surface makes it challenging for boats to detect them. The episode explains that these whales lack a dorsal fin, further complicating their visibility. Therefore, enforcing boat slowdowns is essential to reduce the risk of collisions with these endangered animals. The episode also emphasizes the importance of slow zones, designated areas where boats are required to reduce their speed, in protecting North Atlantic right whales. However, it notes that these slow zones need to be regularly updated to align with the whales' current migration and feeding patterns. Climate change has caused shifts in the whales' routes, potentially due to changes in ocean currents and temperature. Consequently, adjusting the slow zones accordingly is crucial to ensure effective protection for the whales. Furthermore, the episode highlights a study conducted by Oceana, an ocean conservation advocacy group, which revealed a significant lack of compliance with mandatory slowdowns in areas correlated to whale migration and feeding patterns. The study found that 84% of boats over 65 feet long and 82% of boats in areas with temporary slowdowns were exceeding the speed limits. This lack of adherence underscores the need for improved communication and engagement with boaters to raise awareness about the importance of slowdowns and the reasons behind them. In conclusion, the episode underscores the urgent need for more boat slowdowns along the Atlantic coast to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The small population size of these whales and their susceptibility to ship strikes necessitate immediate action. Updating and enforcing slow zones, as well as improving communication with boaters, are essenti