The NJ sportfishing industry faces a severe threat because of whales

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, may soon adopt a speed reduction rule that could prove to be disastrous for New Jersey’s sport fishing and tourist industries.

To protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, NOAA has proposed cutting the maximum speed limit for all boats 35 feet or larger to 11 miles per hour, up to 90 miles off the coast of New Jersey, extending along the Atlantic Coast from Florida to Massachusetts.

According to Jeff Angers, the president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy, if this proposed regulation, which would be in effect from November to May is adopted, it will basically shut down maritime activity on the entire Atlantic Seaboard, and fishing boats will go out of business.