The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) have proposed a 10 mph speed limit for all vessels 35 feet and longer. While this proposal is still under review and has NOT yet been implemented, a 10 mph limit ALREADY applies to vessels 65 feet and longer as of November 1, 2024.
We are hopeful the new Administration may consider delaying or canceling this decision until a viable technological solution becomes available, as expanding the current rule would cause substantial economic harm.
The proposed regulation could have serious economic consequences if extended to vessels 35 feet and up. TBF Board Member and Viking Yachts CEO Pat Healey, along with other industry leaders, advocate for protecting North Atlantic right whales through technology rather than limiting ocean access. Healey highlighted advances in marine electronics and the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce, suggesting that NOAA should leverage industry expertise to find solutions.
The recreational boating and fishing industries, as well as the commercial shipping industry, contribute billions to the economy, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and would be heavily impacted.
