Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) is urging the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to rescind a federal vessel-speed rule that limits certain boats traveling along parts of the Atlantic coast.
The nonprofit legal organization filed a public comment June 2 asking the agency to repeal the rule, which generally requires vessels longer than 65 feet to travel at 10 knots or less in designated areas. The restriction was adopted to reduce vessel strikes involving endangered North Atlantic right whales.
SLF argues the rule places unnecessary burdens on boaters, commercial fishermen and fishing-related businesses. The group said the speed limit can make it harder for fishermen to follow fish populations and operate efficiently, particularly when fishing activity overlaps with regulated zones.
The organization also said violations can carry significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal consequences. SLF previously petitioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NMFS on behalf of boat captains and owners seeking changes to the rule.
SLF President Kim Hermann said the rule should be rescinded, arguing that it has harmed boating and fishing interests without adequately advancing whale protection.
“It’s time that we officially put this Obama-era rule to end and not hold boaters and fishermen back from enjoying the open waters and making a living,” she said. “I understand that the desire to protect whales is a noble pursuit, but this rule has proven to do anything but that. In fact, the only thing that the rule did was successfully cripple the boating industry while putting the livelihoods of boaters and fishermen at risk. I highly encourage that NMFS finally rescinds this outdated and restrictive rule.”
NMFS has been reviewing the vessel-speed policy as part of a broader regulatory process involving North Atlantic right whale protections.
