By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has taken an important first step toward reexamining federal vessel regulations intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, and this development has meaningful implications for the recreational boating industry and marine retailers.
On March 4, 2026, NOAA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) announcing it is considering changes to the existing North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. To view the ANPRM, click here. NOAA is seeking input from the public on a variety of topics related to the existing Vessel Strike Reduction rule, from the effectiveness of technology as a means to reduce vessel strikes, vessel-size-specific risk assessments, and the economic impact on industry.
For marine retailers and the broader recreational boating industry, this is a critical opportunity to help shape smarter, more effective policy that protects the North Atlantic Right Whale while preserving safe access to boaters and anglers on the Atlantic Coast.
Why This NOAA Action Matters
With this request for public input, NOAA explicitly acknowledges that the existing speed rule may impose unnecessary economic and operational burdens and questions whether modernized, technology-based approaches could provide equal or better conservation outcomes.
Among the ideas NOAA is exploring are real-time, technology-driven whale detection and alerts instead of fixed seasonal speed zones; greater reliance on Dynamic Management Areas (also known as Slow Zones) that are activated only when whales are detected; better differentiation between vessel types and sizes, including recreational boats versus large commercial ships; improved safety flexibility for vessel operators when slowing to 10 knots may pose risks in rough weather or open-ocean conditions; and a closer look at the economic impacts of speed restrictions on small businesses, including marine retailers.
NOAA’s current request for input closely mirrors many of the principles MRAA has advocated for in prior comments, coalition letters, and agency engagement. This is a huge opportunity for the MRAA, our members, and the recreational boating industry at large to make lasting changes to this important law, protecting recreational boating access while advancing conservation measures and efficacy for the North Atlantic Right Whale.
What happens next
The public comment period will remain open until June 2, 2026, but is only the first step in the rule making process. Throughout that process, the MRAA will continue to provide updates to keep you in the loop, aware and engaged on any additional opportunities to provide input.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the MRAA Government Relations Team by clicking here.
Looking Back
Additionally, to see some of the MRAA Advocacy team’s engagement and involvement on this issue, click the links below:
NOAA Signals Potential Shift on Right Whale Speed Rules — What It Means for Marine Retailers
Chad Tokowicz
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has taken an important first step toward reexamining federal vessel regulations intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, and this development has meaningful implications for the recreational boating industry and marine retailers.
On March 4, 2026, NOAA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) announcing it is considering changes to the existing North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. To view the ANPRM, click here. NOAA is seeking input from the public on a variety of topics related to the existing Vessel Strike Reduction rule, from the effectiveness of technology as a means to reduce vessel strikes, vessel-size-specific risk assessments, and the economic impact on industry.
For marine retailers and the broader recreational boating industry, this is a critical opportunity to help shape smarter, more effective policy that protects the North Atlantic Right Whale while preserving safe access to boaters and anglers on the Atlantic Coast.
Why This NOAA Action Matters
With this request for public input, NOAA explicitly acknowledges that the existing speed rule may impose unnecessary economic and operational burdens and questions whether modernized, technology-based approaches could provide equal or better conservation outcomes.
Among the ideas NOAA is exploring are real-time, technology-driven whale detection and alerts instead of fixed seasonal speed zones; greater reliance on Dynamic Management Areas (also known as Slow Zones) that are activated only when whales are detected; better differentiation between vessel types and sizes, including recreational boats versus large commercial ships; improved safety flexibility for vessel operators when slowing to 10 knots may pose risks in rough weather or open-ocean conditions; and a closer look at the economic impacts of speed restrictions on small businesses, including marine retailers.
NOAA’s current request for input closely mirrors many of the principles MRAA has advocated for in prior comments, coalition letters, and agency engagement. This is a huge opportunity for the MRAA, our members, and the recreational boating industry at large to make lasting changes to this important law, protecting recreational boating access while advancing conservation measures and efficacy for the North Atlantic Right Whale.
What happens next
The public comment period will remain open until June 2, 2026, but is only the first step in the rule making process. Throughout that process, the MRAA will continue to provide updates to keep you in the loop, aware and engaged on any additional opportunities to provide input.
Connect with MRAA Advocacy
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the MRAA Government Relations Team by clicking here.
Looking Back
Additionally, to see some of the MRAA Advocacy team’s engagement and involvement on this issue, click the links below:
Share:
Related Posts
NOAA Signals Potential Shift on Right Whale Speed Rules — What It Means for Marine Retailers
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has taken an important first step toward reexamining
Understanding Minnesota’s Wrap Recycle Right Program
• Program Overview & Why it Exists • Q&A with Sarah Bonvallet of Wrap Recycle Right Program & Denise Diorio McVeigh, EPR Services and Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Reverse Logistics
MRAA Joins Congressional Boating Caucus Briefing on Federal Boating Access Policy
MRAA participated in a bipartisan Capitol Hill briefing focused on federal boating access policy and the infrastructure investments that support public access to U.S. waterways.