Tomorrow, Jan. 16, NOAA Fisheries is expected to officially withdraw its proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The rule would have imposed 10-knot speed limits on recreational vessels greater than 35 feet across much of the Atlantic coast for up to seven months of the year.
In the face of such prohibitive measures, six Atlantic states as well as the recreational boating industry, via the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and others have staunchly opposed the rule, which is intended to protect endangered right whales from vessel strikes.
According to NOAA’s withdrawal notice, the scope and volume of public comment left the agency with insufficient time to finalize the regulation “in this Administration.” Approximately 90,000 public comments were submitted on the proposed rule.
“The Marine industry is leading the charge in finding innovative ways to best support whales, and we are excited to see reports that the population is growing,” said NMMA’s Robyn Boerstling in October. “Unfortunately, NOAA’s current rule doesn’t include the flexibility we need to adapt to changing migration patterns and completely ignores common-sense solutions that use off-the-shelf technology. Access to our waterways and the safety of whales are not mutually exclusive. Our industry is making tremendous strides in developing boater notifications and other whale detection solutions, but we can do more if we work together. NOAA needs to assess this progress and chart a collaborative path forward instead of imposing sweeping restrictions on coastal states that continue to raise serious concerns with NOAA’s proposed rule.”
The six states in opposition to the proposed rule: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Massachusetts formally objected to the rule in November over concerns of serious economic and environmental impacts. The states requested that NOAA address these concerns and explore more effective conservation strategies.
Withdrawal of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule does not preclude NOAA Fisheries from future action on the issue, and existing speed regulations remain in effect.
