NOAA, NMMA Meet To Discuss Whale Rule

The boating industry this week during the Miami International Boat Show met with NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator Janet Coit to voice concerns about the agency’s proposed expansion of the North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction rule. It was the first time the assistant administrator had met with members of the boating industry since the expansion was proposed in August 2022.

Attendees said the rule could have negative impacts on their businesses and coastal economies, and suggested a solution that focuses on adopting advanced technologies to more effectively prevent vessel strikes than a speed limit.

“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,” NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer said in a statement. “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.”

Concerns expressed during the meeting included:

• Technology currently exists that can detect and protect whales from vessel strikes. Technology providers showed Coit how it works and how it could be deployed on boats.

• The proposed rule could negatively impact more than 340,000 jobs and nearly $84 billion in economic contributions. Many coastal communities rely on boating, fishing and the hospitality industry.

• NMMA said most fatal whale strikes are caused by oceangoing vessels larger than 260 feet, and that the proposed rule does not differentiate between a 35-foot boat that draws 3 feet and an ship that drafts 45 feet. It was also stressed that smaller boats have can quickly change course to avoid a whale.

• Requiring smaller boats to travel at 11 mph in the Atlantic can put safety at risk. Boats are more maneuverable when they are on plane, and the operator has better visibility.

“The boating industry cares deeply about finding solutions that protect whales and boaters, and technology is the answer,” Hugelmeyer said. “We are encouraged by this dialogue with assistant administrator Coit and hope NOAA will continue to engage with us to create a balanced solution.”