ACTION ALERT!

We want to make you aware of an amendment that NOAA has recently proposed to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessels Strike Reduction Rule.

The proposed rule change would expand mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less to include boats 35 to 65 feet along much of the eastern seaboard during up to 7 months of the year. This would apply to Florida waters between November 15 and April 15.

Click here for the full rule proposal.

If this rule change were to be approved, it could have unintended negative repercussions on both recreational and commercial boating and fishing. The marine industry is working together to ask boaters to educate themselves on this proposed rule change and to submit feedback to NOAA to encourage them to revise the proposed rule to ensure the health of the right whale population while also protecting the health of recreational and commercial boating and fishing as well.

All comments must be submitted by October 31, 2022.