NMFS Withdraws Controversial Speed Restriction Rule - The Fisherman

NMFS Withdraws Controversial Speed Restriction Rule

In an official posting in the Federal Register on January 16, 2025, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it was officially withdrawing the proposed rule to amend the North Atlantic right whale vessel speed regulations. “NMFS withdraws this proposed rule in light of numerous and ongoing requests from the public for further opportunity to review and engage with the agency on the proposal,” the posting read, while also noting that they had received approximately 90,000 public comments on the proposed rule.

“The comments received addressed many different aspects of the rule and reflected views on all sides of the issues addressed,” NMFS stated, adding “Despite its best efforts, NMFS does not have sufficient time to finalize this regulation in this (Biden) Administration due to the scope and volume of public comments.”  And so with just 5 days left before the new (Trump) Administration was to settle into the White House, NMFS hereby withdrew their August 2022 proposed rule, terminating the rulemaking proceeding.

The proposed rule would have expanded the size class of regulated vessels to 35 feet and over subject to a 10-knot vessel speed restrictions along the Atlantic Coast, while enlarging the boundaries and extending the timing of these seasonal speed zones.  While withdrawal of the proposed rule does not preclude NMFS from taking future action, members of the recreational boating and fishing community who’ve been actively engaged in this issue are optimistic.

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