Update: Coast Guard Halts Buoy Removal Plan Following Public Outcry
On October 21, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northeast District announced that it is suspending all changes related to the Coastal Buoy Modernization Proposal (CBMP). This decision follows months of widespread concern, thousands of public comments, and growing media attention—including from the US Harbors community.
This news marks a significant shift in the proposal that the Coast Guard outlined earlier this year, when they proposed eliminating more than 350 navigational aids across the Northeast—buoys, daymarks, bells, whistles, and lights—from New York to Eastport, Maine.
The changes, first detailed in Local Notice to Mariners 01-16-2025, were intended to modernize the Aids to Navigation (ATON) system in light of widespread adoption of electronic navigation.
“We are extremely appreciative of the public’s input on this important project,” said Rear Admiral Michael Platt, Northeast Coast Guard District Commander. “Our team’s hard work, analysis, and conclusions were reinforced by the outstanding feedback we received from our maritime stakeholders.”
A Look Back: What Sparked the Outcry?
In our May article, we outlined the Coast Guard’s plan to remove hundreds of physical navigational markers, citing outdated design, increased maintenance costs, and the capabilities of modern chart plotters and apps. The maritime community, however, pushed back—hard. In our September update, we shared that over 3,000 comments had been submitted to the Coast Guard, with mariners voicing strong concern over the safety implications, especially in fog-prone and rock-strewn areas. Marine-industry writers, like Kevin Falvey and Peter Swanson, questioned the wisdom of relying solely on electronic navigation, and local skippers pointed out that many vessels—especially smaller, older, or less tech-equipped boats—still rely heavily on physical aids to safely access harbors, avoid ledges, and navigate in poor visibility.
The Latest Guidance from the Coast Guard
In the official press release, the Coast Guard made it clear that no changes to ATON will move forward until further analysis is completed. The CBMP comment period is now closed.
“The Northeast Coast Guard District will continue to ensure a safe, secure, and efficient Maritime Transportation System,” said Rear Adm. Platt. “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 statement also reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s role in managing over 45,000 navigational aids nationwide and supporting a marine transportation system that contributes $5.4 trillion in U.S. economic activity.
What Comes Next?
While the Coast Guard hasn’t officially withdrawn the proposal, this pause marks an important win for mariners who made their voices heard. It’s also a reminder that community feedback matters—especially when it comes to shaping policy that affects our shared waterways. US Harbors will continue tracking this issue closely and will report any new developments as they emerge.
Navigation markers in the Northeast U.S. will remain for now
