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
NOAA Announces 2026 Federal Recreational Red Snapper Season, Exempted Fishing Permits in South Atlantic
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries announced today the 2026 federal recreational red snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic and the issuance of three exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The federal recreational red snapper season will open for three days this year from October 9… SEE MORE
Managing Genetic Risk in Offshore Aquaculture
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. Aquaculture can sustainably produce seafood to complement wild-caught fisheries. However, like all food systems, aquaculture requires sound science to ensure farmed species don’t harm wild species. Scientists at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center are working to understand the genetic risks in offshore aquaculture. NOAA has identified 21,000… SEE MORE
Agency Reforms Aim to Restore American Seafood Competitiveness
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. On July 2, 2026, NOAA Fisheries sent Regional Priorities guidance, providing the regional fishery management councils a clear roadmap of actions designed to reduce regulatory burdens and better support the health of the seafood industry, while maintaining the public trust duty to maintain stock and ocean ecosystem health.… SEE MORE
The Unexpected Catch: Friendship at Sea
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. One Random Room Assignment When I graduated from college and entered the workforce, I never imagined my path would lead me to becoming a fisheries observer. It wasn’t exactly a career I had planned, but looking back, I’m so glad it found me. Before the month-long training began,… SEE MORE
NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Officers Deploy for High Seas Patrols Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. Enforcement officers from NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement have successfully wrapped up deployments for Operation North Pacific Guard, an annual international mission targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas. The officers, who used their specialized experience to support the operation, patrolled over 8,000 nautical miles aboard… SEE MORE
Balancing Energy Production and Aquatic Resources in the Roanoke River
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. At the Roanoke Rapids Dam, a hydroelectric facility on the Roanoke River in North Carolina, NOAA Fisheries collaborated with Dominion Energy and partners to evaluate how adjusting the flow of water affects migratory fish and mussel populations in the river. Monitoring results are helping to ensure these… SEE MORE
Gulf Fishery Management: Progress Through Partnership
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
Meet Alaska Sea Greens: Farmers, Fishers, and Homesteaders on Kodiak Island
By Fisheries.Noaa.Gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. If you want to visit Kodiak Island in Alaska, you have two options. You can take a flight from Anchorage, about 250 miles away, or take the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Homer, which takes about 10 hours. Kodiak is stunningly beautiful and very remote. For the… SEE MORE
