NOAA Withdraws Proposed 10-Knot Speed Rule: A Victory for Boaters and Coastal Communities
NOAA recently withdrew its proposed 10-knot speed restriction for vessels 35 to 65 feet, aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale. This decision, hailed as a win by Phenom Yachts and the boating industry, highlights the importance of balanced, science-backed regulations that protect marine life without endangering boater safety or coastal economies.
Coastal communities, economies, and recreational boaters across the Atlantic coast have been closely following the debate over a proposed 10-knot speed restriction on all vessels between 35 and 65 feet. This measure, aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale, has sparked significant concern within the marine industry and among coastal residents. While a similar rule went into effect in 2008 for vessels 65 feet and above, the recent proposal—which would apply to smaller boats—was met with widespread opposition due to its potential economic and safety impacts.
In 2008, the implementation of the 10-knot speed limit for vessels 65 feet and above caused ripple effects across communities that rely on sport fishing yachts, cruising yachts, and other larger vessels. Expanding the rule to include boats as small as 35 feet, as proposed in 2022, raised alarms about the potential loss of small businesses, skilled labor positions, and economic vitality along the Atlantic coast.
Thanks to persistent advocacy from the marine industry, politicians, and affected communities, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced its decision to withdraw the proposed rule. The proposal, which sought to establish strict 10-knot speed limits in expanded seasonal zones, was criticized for being overly broad and lacking evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing whale fatalities. Stakeholders highlighted the potential for the rule to devastate small businesses, jeopardize boater safety, and impose undue financial burdens on coastal economies.
During a 2024 interview for the Post & Courier, Phenom Yachts Owner and CEO, Tommy Hancock had this to say about the issues:
The withdrawal of the proposed rule followed extensive feedback, with over 90,000 public comments from marine industry representatives, conservationists, and small business owners. Phenom Yachts President Russ Tomlinson praised NOAA’s decision, emphasizing the importance of balanced, science-backed regulations:
The proposed restrictions posed significant safety concerns, particularly in adverse weather conditions where reduced speeds can hinder maneuverability and visibility. Recreational boaters, including those operating smaller vessels, often rely on higher speeds to safely navigate changing weather conditions or avoid hazards. Limiting speeds to 10 knots could have placed boaters in danger, especially in rough Atlantic waters.
Tommy Hancock elaborated on these dangers in his interview:
South Carolina’s coastal economy, with its $6.5 billion recreation sector and thousands of associated jobs, stood to suffer significant losses under the proposed rule. The decision to withdraw the rule preserves the livelihoods of countless small business owners, recreational fishermen, and marine industry workers. It also opens the door for more effective, collaborative approaches to marine conservation.
The path forward requires ongoing collaboration between the marine industry, conservation groups, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions that protect marine wildlife while sustaining economic vitality. As Tomlinson emphasized, Phenom Yachts and its partners remain committed to fostering balanced regulations that benefit both marine ecosystems and the boating community. This decision serves as a reminder that advocacy and collective action can lead to meaningful change, ensuring a future where conservation and commerce thrive together along the Atlantic coast.