Bill > S573

This bill establishes a comprehensive five-year program to protect endangered marine wildlife, particularly the Northern Right Whale, through several key initiatives. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) will conduct annual reviews starting in January 2026 to assess the impacts of marine fisheries licensing and vessel activities on endangered species listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). The program will also collaborate with organizations like NOAA and the New England Aquarium to publish annual reports documenting whale sightings and injuries caused by human activities in the Gulf of Maine. Additionally, NHESP will annually evaluate potential "significant habitat" designations for Northern Right Whales in Cape Cod Bay and other Massachusetts coastal waters. The bill introduces a novel "Sustainable Fishing" licensing system beginning in fiscal year 2027, which will provide up to 25 licenses annually for commercial crab and lobster harvesting using innovative gear designed to prevent marine wildlife bycatch or injury. Notably, the bill establishes a significant economic valuation of $2,000,000 for each Northern Right Whale, treating any killing or serious injury as a direct economic loss to the Commonwealth, which could incentivize stronger protective measures.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S573