U.S. Coast Guard Suspends Northeast Buoy Removal Plans After Over 3,000 Public Comments

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its plan to remove hundreds of navigational buoys from the Northeast, including Rhode Island and New England waters, following extensive public opposition. The agency received over 3,200 comments from mariners, fishermen, ferry operators, and other stakeholders who emphasized the buoys' critical role in safety, especially in poor weather or when electronic GPS systems fail. Initially, the Coast Guard proposed removing up to 350 buoys to modernize navigation by relying more on electronic tools, but concerns about safety and reliability led to a scaled-back proposal and eventually the suspension of the project. Northeast Coast Guard District Commander Rear Admiral Michael Platt expressed gratitude for public feedback and affirmed the agency's commitment to ensuring a safe and efficient maritime transportation system. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed praised the decision as a victory for marine interests and vowed to continue monitoring the situation to protect local waterways. The Coast Guard has not specified when or if the buoy removal plan will be revived, instead opting to conduct further analysis of the aids to navigation system.