What has the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) done to address the concerns?
The FWC Commissioners asked staff to hold several public workshops around the state to get a well-rounded perspective of the airboat sound issue and to solicit possible solutions based on public consensus. Additionally, the FWC contracted with researchers from Florida Atlantic University to complete an airboat sound research project to determine the sources of airboat sounds and to evaluate various methods of reducing sound levels from airboats. Following the conclusion of this research, staff again held public workshops to seek input from the public about a possible requirement for mufflers on airboats and a proposed airboat owner and operator educational campaign. Workshop participants overwhelmingly supported the requirement for automotive-style mufflers on airboats and the concept for owner/operator education. The FWC Commissioners recently heard public comment on this issue and directed staff to implement the staff and workshop participants recommendations (FWC Commission meeting