US Coast Guard Plans to Remove Hundreds of Navigational Buoys in Northeast
If you rely on traditional buoys while navigating the Northeast coast, the U.S. Coast Guard wants to hear from you.
As part of a broader effort to modernize how mariners navigate U.S. waters, the Coast Guard is proposing the discontinuation of approximately 350 buoys across the Northeast—roughly 6% of all federally maintained aids to navigation (AtoN) in the region. The proposal reflects a shift toward integrating modern electronic navigation systems—like GPS, electronic charts, and smartphone apps—with a leaner, more sustainable system of physical markers.
But don’t ditch your binoculars just yet. The Coast Guard emphasizes that physical aids to navigation will continue to play a critical role, especially when technology fails or conditions make electronic screens hard to interpret.
“This proposal supports waterway safety by ensuring the right short-range aids work well with modern navigation technology,” said Matthew Stuck, Chief of Waterways Management for the First Coast Guard District. “A sustainable buoy system ensures safety and efficiency, even during disruptions or technology failures.”
How to See What’s Changing
For a detailed look at the proposed buoy removals in your area, visit this community-driven website that maps all proposed changes in the First District: uscg-marker-removals.webflow.io
This site helps mariners visualize which aids may be affected, making it easier to understand how the proposal could impact local navigation.
How to Weigh In
The Coast Guard is asking for public feedback before June 13, 2025. They’re especially interested in hearing from boaters who rely on specific buoys for navigation, fishing, or safe harbor approaches.
Submit comments by email only: [email protected]
Be sure to include:
• The size and type of your vessel
• How you use specific buoys for navigation
• The distance at which you begin looking for or relying on each aid
You can also view the Coast Guard’s official summary at www.bit.ly/D1Buoy
Source: https://onthewater.com/us-coast-guard-plans-to-remove-hundreds-of-navigational-buoys-in-northeast
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