NOAA hears boating industry concerns regarding the Proposed Vessel Speed Restriction Rule
by National Marine Manufacturers Association 17 Feb 2024 08:47 PST
Ocean Fishing Boat © National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA Members Meet with NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit at the Miami International Boat Show.
This week, members of the boating industry met with Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show to express their concerns about the agency's proposed expansion of the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Vessel Strike Reduction rule. This was the first time the Assistant Administrator had met with the recreational boating industry about the impact of the rule since it was proposed a year and a half ago in August of 2022.
During the meetings, Assistant Administrator Coit heard from an array of boating industry stakeholders, including small business boat manufacturers, anglers, and marine technology experts. Attendees voiced their concerns over the devastating impacts this rule would have on their businesses, the lives of their employees and customers, and the broader coastal economies. The members of the boating industry strongly encouraged a solution that focuses on the adoption of advanced marine technologies that would more effectively prevent vessel whales strikes than a blanket speed rule.
"We thank Assistant Administrator Coit for engaging directly with members of the recreational boating industry, and we appreciate the opportunity to show her the sophisticated marine technologies that can be implemented immediately to protect the North Atlantic right whales," said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). "NOAA's proposed rule would have devastating impacts on hardworking American small businesses, their employees, and communities across the U.S. We strongly urge NOAA to work with the recreational boating industry to prioritize technological solutions that protect the North Atlantic right whale without jeopardizing the livelihoods of Americans."
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