MIAMI — The BOAT Biscayne Coalition will hold a press conference on February 16, 2006, at the Miami International Boat Show to make announcements about new steps it is taking to bring personal watercraft back to Biscayne National Park and next steps it is taking to end the current ban.
A new economic impact study will be released at this press conference, which estimates the total impact personal watercraft bans at national parks — like the one at Biscayne National Park — have on the national economy and local businesses.

PWC have been banned from the waters of Biscayne National Park since 2000. There are nearly 18,000 registered PWC in South Florida, used by thousands of families who are currently prohibited from accessing the vast waters of Biscayne National Park that allow all other types of boats. Moreover, these bans have caused irreparable economic damage to the U.S. economy and the small businesses that depend on tourism.

To date, 15 other national parks have commissioned a PWC environmental assessment and each has concluded that there is no reason to ban the vessels on waters that allow other types of motorboating. To learn more, visit www.boatbiscayne.com.

Maureen Healey of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association,
Joe Martinez, Miami resident and personal watercraft user and several other individuals including a South Florida personal watercraft dealership owner will speak at the conference, which will start at 10 a.m. in the Miami Convention Center.