Boaters entering the Wareham River might have noticed a major change as of late, and although Wareham officials aren’t happy with the recent development, there may be nothing they can do.

At Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen, town officials, including Harbormaster Garry Buckminster, discussed the United States Coast Guard’s recent decisions to eliminate marker buoys on the Wareham River, a federal channel, that help boaters navigate the waters.

While many of those present expressed disapproval, Selectman Patrick Tropeano expressed fears that it may be too late.

“I’ll be happy if this board chooses to write a letter to anybody, but I’m not sure we’ll get listened to,” said Tropeano.

Buckminster said that he had discussed temporary navigational aids with the Coast Guard, but with little or no success. He said that, currently, there are steel cans out on the waters instead of the buoys that haven’t caused any problems, but now the maintenance lies on the Town of Wareham.

“It’s still taxpayers' money, regardless,” said Buckminster. “I’m thoroughly disgusted with their decision on this. I’m willing to push back on this as hard as I can.“

Buckminster said he’s spoken with local marina owners and other business owners, who have also expressed displeasure with the Coast Guard’s decision.

He also said the area is key to the Buzzards Bay Marine Taskforce, whose officials chose the area because of its proximity to Tobey Hospital. The group is made up of fire, police, and other emergency agencies in the surrounding municipalities meant to help protect people in the waters of Buzzards Bay.

“I’d be happy to have my chairman write any letters necessary,” said Selectman Judy Whiteside.

Buckminster said the likely result of the Coast Guard’s decision would be an eventual request for funds at town meeting to buy some form of new navigational aids, potentially to the tune of up to $15,000.

“This is kind of a bad move on the Coast Guard’s part,” said Buckminster.

Selectman Alan Slavin said he’d take the news to U.S. Representative William Keating, with whom some Wareham officials are expected to meet next week.

“This certainly seems like a bad move,” added Tropeano. “It’s a bad move for us. It seems like a cost shifting move.”

The board unanimously approved a motion to correspond with all the appropriate state officials, based on Buckminster’s recommendations.