"I believe this proposed rule is an inappropriate expansion of the BLM's Congressional mandate and statutory authority."
"I think that a lot of people here in Washington don't understand the West, or they wouldn't make the kind of rules that they are proposing."
"Without an adequate safety deviation clause, men and women will be unnecessarily put in dangerous situations that can threaten the navigational safety of the Federal navigational channels."
"The issue is not should these whales be protected, but rather are NOAA's proposed changes rooted in science and in practical application."
"Are there better alternatives than essentially shutting down ocean commercial activity along the entire East Coast to commerce to protect the species? I sure hope so."
"If NOAA's proposed changes are adopted, it will endanger pilots and pilot boat crews."
"These women and men are the most skilled mariners in the world, and they know best the challenges of handling large commercial ships."
"Pilot boats must approach large moving ships at speeds sufficient to provide a stable platform for the transfer."
"According to NOAA's own data, there has never been a right whale strike by a pilot boat."
"NOAA's proposal would also threaten safe navigation of large vessels in narrow offshore channels."
"I am committed to being an active partner in conservation management and have a vested interest in the health and future of the recreational fishing industry and the marine resources."
"Without well managed and productive oceans, I don't have a job."