WASHINGTON (June 2, 2026) ­— The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) submitted comments to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking input on potential changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.

In its comments, the MRAA emphasized the importance of modernizing the existing rule in a manner that strengthens protections for the endangered North Atlantic right whale while maintaining reasonable access for recreational boaters and accounting for the impacts on the small businesses that comprise the recreational boating industry.

Marine Retailers’ Role in Advancing Conservation and Technology Adoption

The MRAA’s comments highlighted the unique role marine retailers can play in advancing conservation efforts through education, outreach and installation of marine technologies that help boaters identify and avoid right whales. The association also urged NMFS to fully evaluate the economic impacts any future rulemaking could have on marine retailers, recreational vessel sales, marinas and other small businesses that depend on boating activity.

“We appreciate NOAA’s willingness to revisit this regulation and consider how modern technology can improve both conservation outcomes and regulatory compliance,” said Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “Marine retailers are uniquely positioned to help educate boaters, install new technologies and ensure that conservation measures are practical, effective and widely adopted.”

The comments specifically call on NMFS to conduct a more comprehensive Regulatory Flexibility Analysis that fully evaluates effects on marine retailers and related small businesses. MRAA noted that previous analyses associated with both the 2008 rule and the proposed 2022 amendments largely failed to assess impacts on marine dealerships, vessel sales and the broader recreational boating economy.

The association further pointed to concerns previously raised by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, which stated in a 2022 comment letter that NOAA’s economic analysis may have underestimated the impacts of proposed vessel speed restrictions on small businesses.

“The recreational boating industry supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs and is overwhelmingly made up of small businesses,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “As NOAA evaluates potential changes to this rule, it is critical that the agency fully understands how vessel-use restrictions can influence consumer purchasing decisions, marine retail sales, marina activity and the coastal economies that depend on recreational boating.”

Targeted, Technology-Driven Approaches as Alternatives to Broad Speed Restrictions

The MRAA comments also noted that a more targeted, technology-driven approach could provide meaningful conservation benefits while reducing unnecessary burdens on recreational boaters. The association expressed support for NOAA’s exploration of dynamic management measures and whale-detection technologies that can focus protections where whales are actively present rather than relying solely on broad seasonal speed restrictions.

The MRAA has been actively engaged on this issue for several years. It has played a leading role in opposing NOAA’s 2022 proposal to expand vessel speed restrictions to recreational vessels 35 feet and larger. The association remains committed to working collaboratively with NOAA, NMFS, industry stakeholders and conservation partners to develop solutions that both protect North Atlantic right whales and preserve access to America’s waterways. Additional updates will be provided as the agency continues its review of public input.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)

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 helps drive a stronger, more sustainable marine industry.