MRAA Weighs in on Right Whale Vessel Strike Avoidance Rule
WASHINGTON (May 22, 2026) – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) advocacy team joined a roundtable hosted by the United States Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy to discuss the 2008 Vessel Strike Avoidance Rule. They provided input on how to balance these regulations to maintain access for recreational boaters alongside the conservation of this important marine mammal species.
On March 4, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) announcing it is considering changes to the existing North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. View the ANPRM here. NOAA is seeking input from the recreational boating industry on a variety of topics related to the existing Vessel Strike Reduction rule, considering the effectiveness of technology to reduce vessel strikes, vessel-size-specific risk assessments and the economic impact on industry.
Moreover, with this request for public input, NOAA explicitly acknowledges that the existing speed rule may impose unnecessary economic and operational burdens. It also questions whether modernized, technology-based approaches could provide equal or better conservation outcomes while increasing access and reducing impacts to recreational boaters and small businesses.
“We value the opportunity to share input to NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries Service on how to modernize Vessel Strike Avoidance Rule while highlighting the important role marine retailers can play in the evolution of this important regulation,” said Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “The ability for us to provide input to craft a rule that will better balance access for recreational boaters and ultimately improve the conservation of this marine mammal is a breath of fresh air compared to our previous engagements with the Right Whale Vessel Strike Avoidance Rule.”
What NOAA Right Whale ANPRM Means for Recreational Boaters
In 2022, NOAA proposed a sweeping and flawed expansion of the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule that would have forced recreational boats 35 feet in length and longer along the East Coast to travel at just 10 knots for up to seven months out of the year. The proposal failed to distinguish between large commercial ships and smaller recreational boats, ignored marine technologies and would have created serious consequences for dealers, marinas, manufacturers, anglers and coastal communities. After a sustained campaign from the entire recreational boating and fishing industry, NOAA rescinded the proposal in January of 2025.
Now, the agency is seeking input on the original 2008 rule from the public on how to modernize the rule using new technologies, better risk assessment and a more accurate consideration of the economic impact of the rule to better protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale while preserving boating access.
During the roundtable, Sayre and Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, highlighted how the potential changes to the rule put forth in 2022 would have negatively impacted MRAA members, impacting recreational boating access as well as hampering sales. The MRAA highlighted results from our own survey which estimated that the impact on dealers alone would be over $2 billion annually from lost sales, service work and other related loses. As a result, it would have jeopardized the more than 810,000 American jobs and $230 billion in economic activity supported by the recreational boating industry.
MRAA Emphasizes Ongoing Collaboration and Industry Input
“The MRAA is thankful for the opportunity to continue working with the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy on this important issue, as we provided input on the proposed 2022 rule which was ultimately used in the SBA’s official comment letter,” said Tokowicz. “Now, three years later, it is encouraging to continue to work on the same regulation but instead focusing on how to utilize new technology to increase access and conservation, instead of fighting to maintain access for recreational boaters.”
The MRAA government relations team engagement in this roundtable is just one of many meaningful ways the MRAA and recreational boating industry at large, are providing input on this important regulation. MRAA asks members to engage and submit their own comments. Stay connected for additional updates. If you have any questions about this ANPRM or our Advocacy work in general, please do not hesitate to reach out.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the trusted catalyst for success in the marine retail industry. Dedicated to fueling dealer growth and strengthening the boating experience, MRAA delivers industry-leading insights, expert guidance and proven solutions that assist marine retailers in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Through education, advocacy and innovative resources, MRAA empowers dealers to thrive and help drive a stronger more sustainable marine industry. Learn more at MRAA.com.
