|
As you know, the industry has been opposing NOAA’s proposed speed restrictions for over a year now – and our campaign continues at a special industry briefing at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) next week.
We will explain how the industry can continue to weigh in at this critical time. This is our final push against the most consequential maritime regulation ever imposed on our industry. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule would mandate a 10-knot restriction for boats 35 feet and larger along virtually the entire Eastern Seaboard for up to seven months a year and as far out as 90 miles.
At FLIBS 2022, we spelled out how the rule compromises our safety and privacy and restricts ocean access. It would result in the cancellation of thousands of boating and fishing trips, cause widespread economic disruption to maritime activities and decrease the use and sale of boats – resulting in potential massive job losses.
Through technology, we are finding alternative solutions to protect marine mammals without such severe impacts on boaters. Our collective voice has made a difference with NOAA, which has delayed issuing the final rule as it considers over 90,000 public comments. So, there’s still time for us to make a difference!
I strongly encourage you, our marine partners, to attend this important gathering on Friday, October 27, at 9am at the Viking display, D-Dock, at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center.
Please click this link to pre-register, and I look forward to seeing you there.
| 
