NOAA Fisheries is expected to officially withdraw its proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule tomorrow, Jan. 16. The rule would have imposed 10-knot speed limits on recreational vessels 35 to 65 feet in length across much of the Atlantic coast for up to seven months of the year. It was intended to protect endangered right whales from vessel strikes.
Six Atlantic states, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Center for Sportfishing Policy and others in the boating, fishing and conservation communities came out in strong opposition to the prohibitive proposed rule.
With a new administration coming into the White House, NOAA’s withdrawal notice indicates an inability to finalize the regulation because of the volume and scope of public comments submitted. With 90,000 public comments, NOAA says it ran out of time.
“For years, our coalition worked tirelessly to oppose this Proposed Rule. Its sweeping, overly restrictive measures – issued without consultation with affected stakeholders – threatened to disrupt livelihoods of coastal communities, anglers, boaters and all who enjoy America’s public waters. It was a deeply flawed approach that ignored the advanced marine technologies available to better protect marine mammals. We are united in our call for balanced, science-driven solutions that can protect marine mammals while preserving safe, sustainable access to our oceans,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy.
“The Center for Sportfishing Policy is hopeful NOAA will join with us to develop a durable, practical approach to this critical issue. But it is noteworthy that NOAA’s withdrawal notice today highlighted only the Administration’s time running out without acknowledging the numerous flaws in their approach. NOAA can do better, and we expect more from America’s science agency. We strongly encourage the federal government to work alongside stakeholders on a science-driven plan that genuinely protects the NARW; supports the sustainability of our oceans and ensures public access to America’s public waters,” he concluded.
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.
