More than 75,500 comments have streamed in to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in recent weeks over a plan to slow ship speeds to 10 knots in the Gulf of Mexico where a nearly extinct whale spends much of its time.
The zone covers some 18,000-square-miles between Louisiana and Florida.
The comments drew sharp divisions.
One commenter calling it a “necessary step to prevent extinction,” while others regard it as “insane” - with some choice words thrown in for good measure.
The possible speed zone is the dwelling place of what some scientists consider the world’s most endangered whale, the Rice’s - commonly referred to as the Gulf of Mexico whale. There are only 50 of the species remaining.
The whale, which can grow to 55 feet and 30 tons, faces a host of dangers: Oil spills, seismic airgun blasts used to find undersea fossil fuel deposits, and plastic pollution. (NOLA.com 07/14/3) Speed limit to save rare Gulf whale draws 75.500 comments | Environment | nola.com
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