U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) recently introduced a federal piece of legislation (Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2024) which could prohibit NOAA Fisheries from enacting any rule that would modify or replace the current North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction (VSR) rule until at least 2030.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the proposed modifications to the current vessel speed regulations would jeopardize around 810,000 jobs and $230 billion in economic activity, devastating coastal economics built on recreational boating, fishing trips and ocean hospitality.
In 2022, NOAA introduced a VSR proposal aimed at broadening existing boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions while simultaneously expanding who must abide by them, despite lack of scientific evidence showing that it would further protect North Atlantic right whales. The bipartisan Manchin/Graham senate bill would prohibit the proposed rule, or any rule that would modify or replace the existing VSR, from taking effect. The legislation would also establish a research grant program dedicated to identifying and testing solutions to reduce harmful interactions between ocean users and North Atlantic right whales.
“As co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and as an avid sportsman myself, I know firsthand how important our fishing culture is to who we are as West Virginians and as Americans,” said Sen. Manchin while explaining the importance of his bill in helping prevent unnecessary federal rules from placing extreme burdens on our seasonal fishermen, boat manufacturers and coastal economies. “We can and should find reasonable solutions to protect the North Atlantic right whale population without regulating critical industries out of business, and I stand ready to work with my bipartisan colleagues to find that balance,” Sen. Manchin added.
Sen. Graham said that NOAA’s proposal for more speed restrictions on recreational boats from 35 feet in length and over would be a death blow to sport fishing, boat manufacturing, and tourism across South Carolina,” while adding “The best thing we can do to protect right whales is to support the deployment of technology.”
“With this bipartisan legislation, senators Manchin and Graham are leading the way to protect marine life, boater safety, the livelihoods of thousands of Americans, and the economic prosperity of our coastal economies,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We know that advanced marine technology, not NOAA’s ill-conceived and dangerous vessel speed rule, is the most effective way to protect endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale.”
The legislation now in the U.S. Senate builds upon what senators Manchin and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced in June of 2023. Representatives Mary Peltola (D-AK) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced companion piece of legislation in the House of Representatives, but each version of the bill would have to clear respective committees before coming the floor of both the House and Senate for a vote.
