NOAA Withdraws Flawed Speed Restriction Rule for Boats: A Victory for Coastal Communities

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Blog > NOAA Withdraws Flawed Speed Restriction Rule for Boats: A Victory for Coastal Communities

NOAA’s withdrawal of the proposed Vessel Speed Restriction rule, aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales, marks a significant victory for the boating industry and coastal communities. This decision, influenced by feedback from stakeholders such as small businesses, conservation groups, and advocacy organizations, highlights the importance of balanced regulations that protect both marine life and economic interests.

January 17, 2025

Cover image for the post NOAA Withdraws Flawed Speed Restriction Rule for Boats: A Victory for Coastal Communities

Announcement Marine Industry NOAA Michael Cheser

Michael Cheser

Marketing Content Supervisor

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Industry input and broad public comment led NOAA to withdraw the 35 to 65 ft speed restriction, showing how stakeholder engagement can influence policy.
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The case highlights the need for science-based and balanced regulations that protect wildlife without harming coastal economies and boating safety.
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Ongoing collaboration among policymakers, industry groups and coastal communities is essential to develop practical conservation solutions that safeguard both marine life and livelihoods.

Coastal communities, economies and recreational boaters across the Atlantic coast have been awaiting and fighting the decision to implement a 10-knot speed restriction on all vessels 35 to 65 feet, aimed at protecting the North American right whale. In 2008 this same rule went into effect for vessels 65-feet and above, this rule while it's been in effect for 17 years still affects local communities who rely on larger vessels like sport fishing yachts for commercial and recreational fishing and even cruising yachts for luxury travel along the coast. While this isn't the largest segment of the market it still has economic impacts on local communities. In 2022 this same rule was proposed for boats as small as 35-feet in length and this is where things really began to make people worry. This new rule would greatly affect a very large portion of the marine industry and could even create a large loss in small businesses and skilled labor positions across the Atlantic coast.

Thanks to hard work from the marine industry, politicians and those whose communities rely on the boating industry a victorious decision was made earlier this week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has withdrawn its proposed Vessel Speed Restriction rule aimed at boats measuring 35 to 65 feet in length. This proposal, designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, was met with widespread opposition from the boating industry, small businesses, and coastal communities. The withdrawal truly underscores the need for balanced, science-backed regulations that consider both marine conservation and economic impacts.

The proposed rule sought to impose a strict 10-knot speed limit in expanded seasonal zones along the Atlantic coast. However, from its inception, it faced criticism for being overly broad and lacking sufficient evidence to demonstrate its efficacy in reducing whale fatalities. The boating industry raised concerns about its potential to devastate small businesses, compromise boater safety, and impose unnecessary financial burdens on coastal economies.

During a 2024 interview for the Post & Courier, Sportsman Boats Owner and CEO, Tommy Hancock had this to say about the issues:

"In my 54 years of boating and fishing along South Carolina’s coast, I’ve not yet had the privilege of seeing a North Atlantic right whale. Since I was 8, I’ve spent more than 500 days fishing these waters, yet this elusive creature remains a rarity to be seen.

Now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has proposed expanding a rule that would cripple our coastal economy in the name of protecting these endangered whales. As someone who loves the sea, I support protecting our endangered marine mammals, but not in a way that puts boaters in danger and destroys livelihoods across our state."

The overarching question is why was the rule withdrawn. The decision to rescind the rule came after the extensive feedback from stakeholders within the marine industry, including over 90,000 public comments around the issue. The marine industry, conservation groups and small businesses all weighed in, highlighting the proposal's flaws and advocating for more practical solutions.

President of Sportsman Boats, Russ Tomlinson, applauded the decision, stating:

"This is a tremendous victory for small businesses and coastal communities that rely on fair and balanced regulations. NOAA's decision to withdraw the Vessel Speed Restriction rule just five days before the next administration takes office highlights that the rule was deeply flawed and failed to demonstrate any meaningful benefit to the safety of right whales from the outset.

We look forward to collaborating with the Trump administration on practical solutions that protect both our marine resources, such as whales and red snapper, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. Special thanks to our key partners SCBFA, CSP, and NMMA for their invaluable support in helping NOAA reach this decision."

The withdrawal is a significant relief for the boating and marine industry along with the coastal economies that would be directly impacted by the rule change. The proposed restrictions posed severe safety risks, particularly in adverse weather conditions, where reduced speeds can hinder maneuverability and visibility. Furthermore, the rule’s enforcement challenges and reliance on outdated data added to its impracticality.

Tommy Hancock also stated in his interview with The Post and Courier about the dangers of this rule to recreational and commercial boaters alike.

"NOAA’s proposed rule to limit all boats 35 feet and over to a speed of 10 knots — equivalent to a mere 11 mph — is illogical and dangerous. This antiquated measure grossly ignores the realities of boating safety and practical navigation. Imposing a 10-knot speed limit in open seas is not just impractical; it endangers the lives of boaters.

Small recreational boats are not designed to cut through the choppy waters of the Atlantic at such low speeds, which increase the likelihood of capsizing or swamping. Further, limiting boats to 10 knots restricts their visibility and ability to maneuver effectively, particularly in deteriorating weather conditions. Speed is a vital safety asset during sudden weather changes, and boaters need the capability to return to port quickly when storms approach. The proposed speed restriction would hinder this ability, potentially trapping boaters in dangerous situations."

South Carolina’s coastal communities, in particular, stood to face immense economic losses, with their $6.5 billion recreation sector and thousands of associated jobs at risk. By withdrawing the rule, NOAA has preserved the livelihoods of countless small business owners and recreational fishermen while opening the door to more effective, collaborative approaches to marine conservation.

The move forward marks a critical turning point in the balance and collaboration of marine conservation and economic sustainability. As Tomlinson emphasized, Sportsman Boats and its partners are committed to working with policymakers to develop innovative solutions that protect both marine wildlife and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Collaborative efforts will remain crucial in ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the continued prosperity of the boating industry.

For the boating community, this decision reaffirms that their voices matter and that advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Together, with organizations like the SCBFA leading the charge, the industry can look forward to a future where both conservation and commerce thrive along the Atlantic coast.