Stand Up For East Coast Boating Rights This Memorial Day Weekend
As many of us take to the water this holiday weekend—and pay respect to the U.S. military personnel who have died throughout history while serving in the United States Armed Forces—let’s honor the many military members who lost their lives fighting for our freedom in the best way possible, by making sure our voices are heard in an important matter that could effect boaters up and down the East Coast.
Boaters will need to make their voices heard to prevent mandatory speed zones from Massachusetts to central Florida. Photo by Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix
Of course, between boating advocacy group communication and contact from several boaters, including world champion racer Michael “Doc” Janssen and Deep Impact Boats owner Mark Fischer, I’ve been aware of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposed changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. But if you’re not familiar with the unbalanced proposal to expand mandatory speed zones from Massachusetts to central Florida for small recreational boats between 35-65 feet in length, you can learn more about it here and stand up for boating rights by taking action here today.
“This needs to get out to more boaters to stop it,” Fischer said in a text that included a link to a post from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “The best way to prevent it is to complain to your congressman.”
To Fischer’s point, the only way this proposal can be stopped is if you take the time to flex your rights as an American and express your concerns over the NOAA’s proposed changes to the Atlantic Coast for up to 7 months out of the year, in some places up to 90 miles offshore.
Recreational boating and fishing stakeholders are encouraged to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill, in district offices, and at the local level by contacting lawmakers and staff to discuss the impacts of the regulatory agency’s proposed rule, as well as taking action on the Boating United platform.
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