ICYMI: NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer on Fox News: “The NOAA rule will devastate the marine industry”
On August 2, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer joined Fox News to discuss the proposed NOAA vessel speed rule and the negative consequences the rule will inflict on American businesses, workers, and coastal economies if enacted.
“If this rule becomes law, it’s going to be devastating to the marine industry,” Hugelmeyer told Fox News reporter Douglas Kennedy.
Recreational boating generates $230 billion in economic impact and supports more than 812,000 jobs across the U.S. NMMA and the recreational boating industry have repeatedly called for the White House to withdraw the rule, and to instead use advanced marine technologies that exist today to more effectively protect the North Atlantic right whale without hurting American businesses, families, and coastal communities.
“It’s quite frustrating from a third generation boatbuilder…it feels as though you’re battling with the government when the technology is in place,” said Justin Healey of Viking Yachts, who was interviewed for the Fox News segment, which showed how Viking is working with other marine manufacturers on advanced marine technologies that can detect marine mammals and help lessen the risk of vessel strikes.
All who are impacted by this rule are encouraged to contact their member of Congress by going to Boating United: https://www.boatingunited.org/take-action/congress-protect-boaters-speed-restrictions/
Learn more about the rule at https://www.nmma.org/advocacy/noaa.