Planned rules could hold back Florida's economy
The Florida Ports Council (FPC) has requested that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (Noaa) rescind its newly proposed rules, because they pose a clear and present danger to Florida’s economy, its public safety and the security of its nation.
FPC added that Noaa must work closely with affected ports, maritime industry stakeholders and other to accurately determine the effect any proposal would have on ports and the communities they serve.
A whale was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. Some 50 – 100 whales are known to regularly travers the entire region. Noaa therefore proposed to close nighttime vessel traffic and significantly reduce daytime vessel speeds to protect the whales. All those restrictions affect Port Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port Panama City and Port of Pensacola in Florida. (lh)