The Coast Guard has suspended its proposal to remove over 300 buoys and other aids to navigation from Northeast waters, after opposition from both recreational boating and commercial marine interests.

In a brief notice Oct. 21 the Coast Guard District Northeast announced it was closing a public comment period on its Coastal Buoy Modernization Proposal.

“After receiving over 3,200 public comments, the Coast Guard will be conducting further analysis of the aids to navigation (ATON) system,” according to the Coast Guard Northeast statement. “There will be no changes to ATON in relation to the proposal until further analysis is complete.”

The ATON reduction was proposed as a way to reduce costs, taking advantage of advances in navigation technology available to vessel operators. But the proposal immediately raised alarm in New England from boaters, fishermen and others in the maritime community who insist visual aids are critical in bad weather and when systems like GPS are unavailable.

“We are extremely appreciative of the public’s input on this important project, and our team’s hard work, analysis, and conclusions were reinforced by the outstanding feedback we received from our maritime stakeholders,” said Rear Adm. Michael Platt, the Northeast Coast Guard District commander.

“The Northeast Coast Guard District will continue to ensure a safe, secure, and efficient Maritime Transportation System. We remain focused on shaping the future of our waterways, ensuring a modern aids to navigation system, and facilitating commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility.” 

The Coast Guard maintains nearly 45,000 navigational aids nationwide.