Nantucket Officials Want Action On Right Whale Protocols

Nantucket continues to seek an exemption from the proposed NOAA North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.

Island leaders say right whale conservation efforts must be focused where the whales travel and congregate -- and that's not Nantucket Sound.

Officials say the edict would eliminate fast ferry passenger service for more than half of the year and reduce the number of trips the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority could operate.

In addition, they say the economic consequences on Nantucket would likely be more than 100-million dollars which is much higher than NOAA's estimation.

The town has posted a template so residents can write to their representatives and advocate for the exemption.

(Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)