Requires owners of certain large vessels to establish whale strike prevention policies; establishes penalties for failure to establish such policies.
Impact
The bill impacts state environmental conservation laws by introducing new regulations specifically focused on the interaction between commercial vessels and marine wildlife. By amending Article 13 of the Environmental Conservation Law, this act sets forth definitions, policy requirements, and compliance reviews for shipping entities. Notably, the act allows for penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 for non-compliance, pushing for a higher standard of responsibility within the shipping industry. The Department of Environmental Conservation will oversee these policies and collaborate with entities like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to ensure adherence.
Summary
Bill S07718, known as the 'Whale Strike Prevention Act,' proposes new measures to protect marine mammals, specifically whales, from incidents with large commercial vessels. This legislation aims to establish guidelines and requirements for owners of these vessels to implement effective whale-strike prevention policies, thereby minimizing the risk of such interactions which have been detrimental to whale populations. The bill introduced by Senator Harckham mandates that vessels over 500 feet in length maintain and submit a prevention policy detailing the strategies they will adopt to reduce the likelihood of whale strikes.
Contention
While the bill is primarily framed as a protective measure for marine life, it may encounter opposition from stakeholders in the shipping industry who could view these regulations as restrictive and burdensome. Critics may argue that the compliance requirements place additional financial and operational pressures on shipping companies. Furthermore, concerns about the practicalities of implementing such policies, such as the adequacy of training for crews and the scientific feasibility of proposed solutions, may emerge as points of contention during legislative discussions.
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