Boat US Raises Concerns About DOGE Defunding of NOAA

Amid the tumult in current attempts to restructure the government are many institutions that have been devoted to keeping mariners safe and the oceans healthy. The cry of “Defund the Police” was roundly criticized because of the legitimate fear it would leave communities more vulnerable to crime. Now the defunding of NOAA and other institutions is leaving many more people and ecosystems vulnerable.

Scott Artis of the Golden Gate Salmon Association has been speaking up about the closing of California’s commercial salmon season and reduction of the recreational salmon season for the third year in a row. The Delta smelt has also been vanishing from the important Delta ecosystem. Upwards of 90% of California’s famed kelp forests have disappeared along the Northern California coast. While we focus on sailing, we know our maritime advertisers also take care of commercial fishing boats, charter boats, recreational fishermen, and other parts of the marine community that are important to their businesses. The commercial marine trades are another part of the marine ecosystem we want to keep healthy.

BoatUS lobbies for boaters’ interests in Washington DC. They sent the following press release about the defunding of NOAA. The letter was sent to Tom Cole, R-OK, which feels particularly ironic given that the fate of NOAA and the fears of mariners are being addressed by a senator from one of the country’s most landlocked states. Regardless, we know the concerns of sailors and commercial fishermen and the whole marine industry rely on a healthy ecosystem, good weather forecasting, scientific research, navigation, and many other national services.

Following is the release from BoatUS:

“Springfield, VA, April 1, 2025 – In a recent letter sent to Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to the US House of Representatives, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) workforce and implement other budget reductions. BoatUS is the largest advocacy, services, and safety group for recreational boaters with more than 725,000 dues-paying members.”

‘Boaters rely on a number of services provided by NOAA agencies such as the National Weather Service (NWS), National Ocean Services (NOS), and the National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS).”

The BoatUS letter says, in part:

“On behalf of our members nationwide, we are concerned that indiscriminate reductions of NOAA agency staff and funding would undermine the safety of boaters on the water and reduce opportunities for enjoyment of marine environments for all. Accurate weather forecasts, updated charts and well-managed resources are vital for the safety and well-being of recreational boating activities across the nation.

“The NWS is responsible for monitoring and predicting severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. These natural disasters can cause significant loss of life and property, and the timely warnings and forecasts provided by the NWS are instrumental in mitigating their impact on boaters. For example, an accurate five-day forecast of a hurricane’s landfall will give boat owners crucial time to prepare for the storm. Reductions in the NWS’s ability to make such forecasts will likely lead to greater vessel losses, more marine debris and costly clean-up operations.

“The Service gathers crucial data that supports a wide range of public and private stakeholders, including military, public safety and maritime operations. Budget cuts to the NWS would not only hinder its ability to gather this critical information but will also negatively impact its interpretation and delivery to all the end-users. We are concerned that broad cuts to NWS staff and funding could weaken the Service’s ability to sustain and enhance its forecasting capabilities, endangering boaters’ lives and increasing the risk of economic losses.”

“We have similar concerns with reductions in force and budget cuts for the National Ocean Services and Office of Coast Survey. NOS and OCS gather and interpret accurate underwater surveys and tidal predictions, creating the baseline data on which boaters rely for their charts. Accurate charts and tide information are fundamental to boating safety. We also note that this information is relied upon for many other maritime stakeholders including the US Coast Guard, commercial vessels and the military. Gathering and distributing accurate coastal information is a fundamental governmental function and must be sustained.

“Regarding the National Marine Sanctuary programs, we note that boaters spend countless hours enjoying these marine ‘parks’ and benefit from the conservation work performed by its staff. Recreational uses are well established and managed in many sanctuaries. For example, mooring buoys in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary allow boaters to access these iconic reefs while protecting them from damage from anchors. Open and accessible sanctuaries are a vital part of the $230 billion recreational boating and fishing industry, the single largest component of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy.”

You can see the complete article from BoatUS here.

We couldn’t agree more. One of the great thrills of sailing on the Bay this spring has been the many gray whale sightings. The increased number of blue whales, humpbacks, gray, and other whales is the result of years of environmental science and conservation. The same will be necessary to achieve a healthy salmon season. The loss of funding for the Romberg Center in Tiburon is another threat to a healthy marine ecosystem. Many of these impacts can feel unrelated to our personal boating activities until we see our home or boat insurance canceled or rates dramatically rise. While it is important to consistently evaluate the benefits and costs of any organization, our conservative nature leans toward a more conservative approach to change. Thoughtful improvement is always welcome. Indiscriminate defunding is irresponsible and dangerous.