Ayomide Olajide’s Remarks-NC Right whale hearing

North Carolina public hearing for the proposed Amendment for the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

Ayomide Olajide’s remarks

Good Evening, my name is Mide Olajide, I’m a UNC Chapel Hill Student and a member of StudentPirg, which is a nonpartisan student lead political advocacy group dedicated to creating a sustainable future for everyone. I’m speaking to you today to advocate in support of the proposed vessel speed limits. As a young person, preserving our wildlife for future generations is incredibly important.

Every winter, off the coast of our state and others like South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, we are lucky to be able to witness the majestic Right whale. These creatures are not only amazing but they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by distributing nutrients throughout the ocean. However, their population has plummeted from around 10,000 in the past to just 360 today, putting them at serious risk of extinction.

The greatest threat to Right whales is human activity, particularly preventable vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing nets. Since 2017, 23 Right whales have been killed by these actions. If we don’t act now, the Right whale population could soon drop from about 360 to zero.

That’s why we must enforce the proposed vessel speed rules. These rules are essential for preserving the Right whale population. They are practical, aligning with current laws requiring boats 65 feet or larger to slow down when right whales are present. Expanding these limits to include vessels 35 feet or larger is crucial, especially to protect baby Right whales, who are most at risk from these boats.

Just as we have school and construction zones on our roads to protect people, these proposed speed limits will protect Right whales in their most vulnerable areas. By passing these rules, we can help ensure the Right whale population recovers and thrives along our coasts for generations to come.