PORTLAND, Maine — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its plans to remove hundreds of navigational buoys from Northeast waters after backlash from mariners.

Those buoys help boaters navigate in and out of harbors and avoid hazards.

After getting more than 3,000 comments from the public, the Coast Guard decided to hold off on removing any buoys, including dozens off the coast of Maine, until it can do further analysis.

While plans are paused, Rajesh Harrilal, a representative for USCG Northeast District, said in a statement to NEWS CENTER Maine: “The Coast Guard will continue to assess our waterways and provide the most effective ATON [Aids to Navigation] system changes to support a safe, efficient, and resilient Marine Transportation System.”

The Coast Guard first announced its plans

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