Information and Resources to help you navigate Covid-19

We here at US Harbors are collecting all the information we can to help you through these strange times.

The situation around the country, and the world, is changing at a rapid rate. We endeavor to keep our information up to date and relevant. Please be aware that regulations do vary from state to state. You can find all our Covid-19 related news under this tag /covid-19

Is Boating a Safe Social Distancing Activity?

In most circumstances, boating is a safe activity in terms of limiting infection. Please be aware of the specific rules at the local marina or town boat ramp – getting into the water can be the most high risk part of the boating trip, depending on how busy the boat launch area is. Please also take into consideration who accompanies you on your boat. It is advised to limit boat passengers to those already in your household. Some states have a limit on the number of people allowed on a boat.

Once out on the water, maintain distance from other boats, and be extra vigilant of those in the water around you. Boaters, as a type, are generally very safety conscious, and that attitude is just as important now as it ever is. Every prevented accident is one less thing that our brave key workers have tackle – keeping the resources available to deal with the covid-19 pandemic.

More rules, tips and advice can be found here: Must-Know Rules for 2020 Summer Boating During COVID 19

Where Can I Go Boating?

 

What Boat Ramps are Open in My Area?

 

What events are still going on?

Many events have been cancelled to limit spread of the coronavirus. Some are able to transition to a virtual. online version of the event, and some are postponed till later in the year, or the following year altogether. We are still posting events on our site, however we encourage you to check directly with the organizer before attending. You can see all the events here: usharbors.com/event-listings/

Help for Coastal Businesses

We are posting updates from any and all coastal business, organization or local authority. If you want to get word out to boaters in your area, you can submit news for our weekly update here: usharbors.com/supporting-our-coastal-businesses/

Health & Safety Filter

(Overlay) L: Goliath grouper circa 1945. Credit: Wally Ericson. R: Shrimp fishing in Galveston, Texas. Date unknown. Credit: NOAA Library/NOAA Fisheries Archives/Bob Brigham; (Background): Boats in harbor. Credit: Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant

Gulf Fishery Management: Progress Through Partnership

7/31/2026

By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. From spiny lobster in the Florida Keys to red snapper off the coast of Texas, the Gulf of America’s rich waters support robust recreational and commercial fisheries. In fact, this area leads the nation in recreational landings, generates the second largest commercial landings revenue, and fuels a $20 billion annual fishing economy. A… SEE MORE

The image depicts two individuals on the deck of a research vessel at sea, engaged in deploying a piece of oceanographic equipment that measures temperature and depth

Why NOAA Matters: Maine's Island Institute Makes the Case

7/30/2026

Why NOAA Matters: Maine’s Island Institute Makes the Case Every mariner who checks a forecast before leaving the dock, every harbormaster tracking a king tide, and every fishing family checking for water temperature shifts is relying, often without thinking about it, on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commonly shortened… SEE MORE

White abalone. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

2025 Species Recovery Grant Awardees Announced

7/23/2026

By Fisheries.Noaa.Gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. NOAA awarded $4.2 million in funding to states and tribes through its Species Recovery Grant Program. These grants promote the recovery of species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. From these funds: $1.9 million supports six new awards to five states: Alaska, California, Florida,… SEE MORE

The United States is a global leader in fisheries excellence, and NOAA's regional priorties will increase opportunities for American fishermen and women. (Image credit: Shutterstock via NOAA Fisheries)

NOAA Announces Regional Priorities To Advance America-First Seafood Strategy

7/5/2026

By noaa.gov, noaa.gov. Today, NOAA announced regional priorities to revitalize the U.S. seafood sector focused on reducing burdens on domestic fishing, increasing production, improving access, and enhancing economic profitability. This bold, coordinated effort by the Department of Commerce through NOAA Fisheries is in direct response to the President’s Executive Order Restoring… SEE MORE

A person tends to oyster beds at an oyster farm in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)

NOAA Strengthens Commitment to Aquaculture Through New Cooperative Institute

6/28/2026

By noaa.gov, noaa.gov. Today, NOAA announced the University of New Hampshire as host institution for the new NOAA Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) to expand NOAA’s impact and strengthen efforts to boost American seafood competitiveness. After a highly competitive application process, this new five-year cooperative institute will harness partnerships… SEE MORE

Image Credits: Fisheries.noaa.gov.

NOAA Fisheries Announces $2.3 Million to Study Atlantic Mackerel with the Northeast Fishing Industry

6/11/2026

By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries is beginning a cooperative research initiative, partnering with the Northeast fishing industry to learn more about Atlantic mackerel population dynamics. The initiative will receive $2.3 million in the current fiscal year. The project will engage more than 50 fishing vessels to collect and analyze data… SEE MORE

Neskowin Creek, a salmon stream in Tillamook County, Oregon, flows out to the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Adobe Stock

Reconnecting Rivers Boosts Oregon Coast Coho Recovery

6/10/2026

By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries supports one of the most ambitious salmon restoration projects on Oregon’s coast: the Salmon SuperHwy. This partnership of more than a dozen organizations works across the Tillamook, Nestucca, and Sand Lake watersheds. It works to restore fish passage at dozens of stream barriers, such as failing… SEE MORE

A container ship is docked at Massport's Conley Container Terminal on Boston Harbor

NOAA Installs New PORTS® in Boston Harbor

3/16/2026

By noaa.gov, noaa.gov. New navigational system will improve safety in one of nation’s busiest ports NOAA announced today the successful installation of a Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) in Boston Harbor. The system includes observational equipment at MassPort’s Conley Terminal and on the Tobin Memorial Bridge. The Boston Harbor PORTS, established in… SEE MORE