On January 15, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the withdrawal of its proposed vessel speed reduction rule, which aimed to mitigate vessel strikes on endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) by restricting speeds for vessels 35 feet and longer. The existing 2008 speed reduction rule for vessels 65 feet and up will remain in place within designated management areas.
Had it been implemented, the proposed rule would have introduced significant economic challenges for the recreational fishing and boating communities, as well as industries reliant on marine transportation. The recreational boating industry contributes $170 billion to the economy, supporting 69,149 jobs and 35,277 businesses. Recreational fishing generates $48 billion in retail sales, has a $115 billion economic impact, contributes $15 billion in state and federal taxes, and supports 828,000 jobs.
Recognizing the need for a balanced approach to marine conservation, Pat Healey, CEO and President of Viking Yachts, who serves on TBF’s Board of Directors, played a key role in forming the Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force (WAVS). This initiative brings together ocean stakeholders to develop private-sector technological solutions for monitoring and protecting marine mammals.
Healey has been a vocal advocate for innovation over broad restrictions, stating, “The solution has been, and always will be, to use technology to track and protect the whales – not to deny access to our oceans. The ocean is our livelihood, and no one cares more about it than boat owners and anglers.”
While the withdrawal of the proposed rule represents a significant development, NOAA retains the ability to revisit and revise this regulation in the future. TBF remains engaged in the discussion and committed to ensuring that any future measures consider both conservation objectives and the needs of the recreational fishing and boating communities.
