Keith Lusher 01.31.25
The recreational and commercial fishing industry is breathing a sigh of relief as NOAA Fisheries announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule that would have implemented significant speed restrictions on boats along the Eastern seaboard. The withdrawal marks the end of a contentious two-year debate between maritime interests and wildlife conservationists.
The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, initially published in 2022, would have required vessels larger than 35 feet to maintain speeds of 10 knots (11.5 mph) or less in coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida. The restrictions would have been in effect for approximately half the year, with specific regulations applying from November 1 through May 30 in the waters stretching from Massachusetts to North Carolina.
The proposal faced significant opposition from maritime stakeholders, particularly in Nantucket, where ferry operators, fishermen, and local officials expressed concerns about the rule’s impact on their operations. The speed restriction would have effectively eliminated fast ferry services to and from the island, potentially affecting both commerce and daily transportation.
However, marine mammal advocates expressed disappointment with NOAA’s decision, arguing that the rule would have helped address vessel strikes, one of the leading causes of death for North Atlantic right whales. The proposed regulations would have expanded both the size class of regulated vessels and the geographical boundaries of seasonal speed zones, while also introducing dynamic speed zones in areas where right whales were detected.
According to NOAA, the agency received more than 90,000 public comments representing various perspectives on the issue. The decision to withdraw the rule came as the agency ran out of time to finalize it during the current administration. The original proposal would have also updated safety deviation provisions and reporting requirements while clarifying enforcement language.
The withdrawal of this rule represents a significant development in the ongoing challenge of balancing maritime activities with wildlife protection efforts along the Eastern seaboard”.
Mike Leonard is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association. The organization has been on the forefront of groups that oppose the proposed rule. “We are pleased to see the draconian vessel speed rule sent back to NOAA so that we can find a collaborative, long-term solution that effectively mitigates the potential for vessel strikes and incorporates innovative safety technologies,” said Leonard. “Restricting boat speeds off the Atlantic Coast would have crushed the sportfishing industry and many coastal communities that rely on fishing and boating to support their economy.”
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