February 2026 ~ Proposals to change the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Our Whales Continue to be at Risk of Extinction. Congress and federal regulators are considering a suite of proposals that could significantly weaken the whale protections currently existing under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These changes will:
- reduce key protections for these critically at-risk species and their habitats,
- give regulators less power to prevent harm
- place more emphasis on business profits than on scientific evidence when making conservation decisions.
How You Can Help
Please take 5 minutes today to call your U.S. Representative and Senators.
- When you call, expect a voice recording. A simple message you can leave:
“Hello, my name is ___ and I live at _____. I am calling to urge Representative/Senator ___ to oppose any changes that weaken the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Endangered Species Act.
We need stronger protections for endangered species — not weaker ones.
Please stand up for our whales, and vote no on any effort that reduces these protections. Thank you.”
- What is the result?
Congressional staff members tally every call, card or email from the representative’s constituents. Your voice truly matters. Hopefully, your call will help preserve the protections currently in effect.
Thank you for speaking up for whales 🐋
Here is the Fernandina/Jacksonville phone list. (Outside of Florida District 4, just google the US Representative for your zip code). You may call either the Washington or local office. Please call all three.
Representative Aaron Bean: Washington DC office: (202) 225-0123
Fernandina office: (904) 557-9550
Senator Rick Scott: Washington DC office: (202) 224-5274
Jacksonville office: (904) 479-7227
Senator Ashley Moody: Washington DC office: (202) 224-3041
Jacksonville office: (904) 354-4300
March 2026 ~ NOAA has been asked to deregulate the 18-year Vessel Speed Rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly ship strikes. Every individual can comment on this and your voice will be heard.
Google NOAA 2026-0364-0001
or Comment portal here: http://www.regulations.gov/comme…/NOAA-NMFS-2026-0364-0001
- Your comment can be as simple or as detailed as you like.
- Include wording like…
~ Please ensure responsible conservation practices for endangered North Atlantic right whales.
~ Technology is not yet ready to take over the job of slowing down, per the Mitre Corporation Report
~ At this time, vessel speed limits are the only way to prevent vessel strike deaths.
~ Add your thoughts….example ~ “Save our baby right whales…”
~ Thank you for Speaking Up for Whales!