Hours prior to the rule's scheduled expiration, the Obama Administration decided to uphold the Ship Strike Rule – an important development in the ongoing efforts to protect endangered right whales. 'The Final Rule to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North American Right Whales', also known as the 'Ship Strike Rule', mandates speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots for vessels 65 feet or greater in certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast of the United States.