NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer yesterday opened the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., by delivering a State of the Industry address.

Hugelmeyer gave an update on the status of NOAA-proposed Atlantic right whale speed restrictions that would limit boats 35 feet and larger to speeds of 10 knots or less for much of the year along the East Coast.

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“We’re here to protect access this week,” Hugelmeyer said. “Our number one goal right now is to protect boating access on the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s going to take all of us to get this done; no one is going to save us but ourselves.

“We all love whales,” Huygelmeyer added. “It’s a magical moment when we see one out on the water. But if NOAA gets its way and these speed zones come to reality, it’s going to destroy the recreational boating industry.” He noted that the industry has a $230 billion annual impact to the U.S. economy.

“A decision on the proposed speed zone rules drops in June,” Hugelmeyer said. “It’s up to each one of us to speak out and let our representatives know that we’re not going to stand by and let this happen.”

Though Hugelmeyer also touched on headwinds affecting the boating business, such as inflation, high interest rates and other economic challenges, much of day two of the advocacy event was spent discussing the right whale speed restrictions.

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Callie Hoyt, NMMA interim vice president of government affairs, and Clay Crabtree, NMMA director of federal government relations, summarized the speed restrictions, as well as three other legislative issues the organization is pursuing: combating aquatic invasive species, investing in boating infrastructure and protecting boaters from misfueling with E15. E15, gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol, is illegal for use in marine engines by federal law.

A 2023 state advocacy update was presented by NMMA southeastern policy and engagement manager Ben Murray, who outlined issues affecting the boating industry. They include the right to repair, boating access, boater safety and the use of PFAL (polyfluoroalkyl) chemicals in marine manufacturing.

Regulator Marine president Joan Maxwell, who was unable to attend ABC, was announced the winner of the Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award. Grady-White Boats president Kris Carroll accepted the honor in Maxwell’s place.

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A four-person panel explained what is likely to come next in the fight against NOAA’s proposed speed restrictions. “We should have a response to the comments submitted to NOAA by June,” said George Cooper of Forbes Tate Partners, which represents NMMA. “There are 90,000 public comments currently under review.”

Former White House staffer Zach Butterworth added, “Once NOAA makes its decision, the issue likely will go to the Office of Management and Budget, where it likely will be tied up for four to six months.”

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A likely course, said Paul Ryan, a partner at DCI Group, which also represents NMMA, will ultimately put NOAA under an oversight committee where representatives can question officials about how the rule was developed, what science was used, and put concerns about the accuracy of NOAA’s supporting facts in the spotlight.

John DePersenaire, Viking Yacht Co. director of government affairs and sustainability, provided an update on the Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force’s efforts to use technology to mitigate the risk of vessel strikes. The group comprises a mix of industry stakeholders who are looking at radar, AIS tagging and acoustic monitoring to prevent vessel collisions with the endangered whales.

“We have many tools at our disposal to help mitigate right whale strikes from boats,” DePersenaire said. “We’re looking at everything from risk terrain models and radar detection to artificial intelligence and AIS tagging. We think we can significantly reduce the risk of whale strikes and better understand their movements using these technologies and leveraging our strategic partnerships.”

ABC continues today with messaging from senators and representatives who will discuss what shifting policy priorities may mean for the boating industry before stakeholders head to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress.