U.S. Navy Requests Increase in Number of Permits for Accidental Whale Strikes

The U.S. Navy, in response to numerous whale strikes by vessels off the coast of Southern California in recent years, is requesting an increase in the cap on the number of accidental injuries to marine mammals allowed under the government’s agreement to increase the maximum number of whales accidentally “taken” from 3 to 5 before the authorization period expires in December 2025.The public comment period has now closed, and the U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to decide whether to approve it next spring. Environmental groups have expressed dissatisfaction, saying the Navy’s move is unreasonable and shows a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of existing protections.