WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) released the following statement regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) denial of a petition to establish a mandatory 10-knot speed limit in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Florida’s commercial fishermen as well as those in the tourism and shipping industries rely heavily on the Gulf of Mexico,” said Congressman Dunn. “A mandatory 10-knot speed limit as this petition called for, would have slowed shipping lines, devastated the seafood industry, and impacted hundreds of jobs. NOAA made the correct choice for the Gulf Coast’s economy!”

Background

Congressman Dunn first sounded the alarm on this issue in May 2023 when he led a letter to NOAA requesting that they not finalize this overreaching proposed rule. In August, Congressman Dunn and Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03) introduced a bill that would prevent NOAA from issuing a vessel slowdown zone in the Gulf of Mexico. You can read the bill here.

Florida proudly boasts 16 seaports. Cargo and cruise activities support 900,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute $117.6 billion in economic value to the state. Florida maritime activities account for approximately 13% of Florida’s GDP while contributing $4.2 billion in state and local taxes. Recent data show outdoor recreation generates $862 billion in economic output, with recreational boating and fishing as the number one contributor to the outdoor recreation economy. This industry provides over 4.5 million American jobs and makes up 1.9% of U.S. GDP. 

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