Progress Made In US Whale Rule-Making Process

Some progress is being made in the contentious rule-making process underway by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale (NARW) by limiting recreational vessels larger than 35ft to a 10kt speed limit along much of the Eastern seaboard for most of the calendar year.

In a breakout update session held in conjunction with the International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), attendees learned that following testimony before the US House of Representatives in June, NOAA has appointed a liaison to an industry working group exploring technological solutions that would not risk boater safety nor coastal community economies.