On October 28 at 9 a.m., the Viking Yacht Company and key boating and fishing industry leaders will hold a press conference at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at the Viking display at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center’s D-Dock. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Leaders of marine organizations (National Marine Manufacturers Association, International Game Fish Association, BoatU.S., Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Recreational Fishing Alliance, The Billfish Foundation and others) will stand with Viking President and CEO Pat Healey to convince the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) not to proceed with the proposed 10-knot speed restrictions along the Atlantic Coast.
Noting how virtually the entire “made in New Jersey” Valhalla Boatworks V Series fleet (the V-37, V-41, V-46 and V-55) will be impacted by the proposed 10-knot speed restrictions along the Eastern Seaboard; one of the key amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule is that it would broaden the speed limit to boats 35 feet and larger (down from 65 feet), which leaders hope to stop until reasonable alternatives are developed to protect the right whale without crippling the marine industry.
In addition to media, Viking is urging boat and engine manufacturers and other marine companies to attend. “We want to build a coalition and show a united front,” Healey said. “Please join us, because this is a very serious threat to our industry.”
“NOAA must pause implementation of its rule and incorporate key stakeholder feedback and data,” noted Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the NMMA. “Without serious revisions, the economic health of coastal communities, small marine business – and those businesses who rely on a robust fishing and boating economy – as well as thousands of jobs along the East Coast are at risk.”
In addition to including boats from 35 to 65 feet, the proposed rule would expand the slow zones to essentially the entire Atlantic Coast as far as out as 100 miles (see above map). Clubs and individuals alike are encouraged to voice opposition to the NOAA proposal, or even by contacting their respective members of Congress.
Viking and the NMMA will be coordinating the logistics for the event. For more information please contact Viking’s Chris Landry at 609-296-6000, extension 1438; or the NMMA’s Emma Boone at 678-643-2617.
Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and Produced by Informa Markets, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is widely regarded as “the largest in-water boat show in the world” and runs from October 26-30. For more information about the show go to flibs.com.
